brandish — to wave or flourish (something, especially a weapon) as a threat or in anger or excitement
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to wave or flourish (something, especially a weapon) as a threat or in anger or excitement
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈbrændɪʃ/
Example Sentences
- The traffic police officer brandished his whistle like a magic wand to stop the chaotic intersection.
- She brandished her diploma proudly at the family dinner, finally proving she wasn't the 'failure' of the family.
- The protesters brandished their signs demanding better working conditions.
brandish
VERB[/ˈbrændɪʃ/]
to wave or flourish (something, especially a weapon) as a threat or in anger or excitement
Brandishing sword to threaten enemies
Chef brandishes a brand dish like a weapon in anger
The Spanish matador brandishes his cape, making the bull vanish!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old French 'brandiss-', the stem of 'brandir', meaning 'to brandish' or 'to wield'. This likely derives from a Germanic root related to 'brand' (sword or blade), connected to Proto-Germanic '*brandaz' meaning 'sword' or 'fire'.
Breakdown
brand- (sword/blade, from Germanic root) + -ish (verb suffix meaning 'to make' or 'to wield') = brandish (to wield or flourish a weapon)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The traffic police officer brandished his whistle like a magic wand to stop the chaotic intersection.”
“She brandished her diploma proudly at the family dinner, finally proving she wasn't the 'failure' of the family.”
“The protesters brandished their signs demanding better working conditions.”
“My grandmother brandished her wooden spoon whenever we misbehaved in the kitchen.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.