Brandish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ก๏ธ
brandish
[หbrandษชส ]
Definitions
weapon
Wave or flourish (something, especially a weapon) as a threat or in anger or excitement.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| brandish |
Typically used when someone is showing something, especially a weapon, in a threatening or dramatic manner.
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| wave |
Generally used when moving something back and forth, particularly to get attention or as a greeting.
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| flourish |
Often implies showing something in a confident or energetic manner, usually for attention or to impress others.
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| wield |
Typically used when someone is holding and using a tool or weapon effectively.
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Examples of usage
- He brandished a knife in front of the terrified victim.
- The robber brandished a gun, demanding money from the cashier.
- The pirate brandished his sword as a warning to the approaching ship.
object
Move or swing (something) back and forth.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| brandish |
Often used to describe someone holding and waving a weapon in a threatening or aggressive manner.
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| swing |
Refers to moving something back and forth from a fixed point, usually in a smoother and more controlled manner than shaking.
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| shake |
Implies a rapid or forceful movement back and forth or up and down, often related to expressing emotion or removing something.
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| flourish |
Usually describes a bold or dramatic gesture, often with a decorative or showy quality, can be positive or neutral.
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Examples of usage
- He brandished his pen in the air as he explained his idea.
- The conductor brandished his baton to signal the start of the performance.
gesture
An aggressive display or movement.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| brandish |
This word is often used when someone is showing a weapon or something threatening in a way that suggests aggression or defiance.
|
| gesture |
Use this word when someone is making a movement, usually with their hands or arms, to express an idea or emotion.
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| display |
This word is used when someone is showing something to others with the intention of making it visible, often for admiration, inspection, or evidence.
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| movement |
This word is used in a more general sense, referring to any kind of motion or change in position.
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Examples of usage
- The politician's brandish of his fist was interpreted as a sign of aggression.
- Her brandish of the trophy signaled her victory to the cheering crowd.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'brandish'
The word 'brandish' originated from the Middle English word 'brondishen,' which came from the Old French 'brandiss-' and ultimately from the Latin 'brandฤซre,' meaning 'to wave or flourish.' The use of 'brandish' in English dates back to the late 14th century, where it was commonly used in the context of waving a weapon or displaying aggressive gestures.
See also: brand, branding, rebrand, rebranding.