brandish Definition
- 1to wave something, especially a weapon, in a threatening or excited way
- 2to display something in an ostentatious or aggressive way
Using brandish: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "brandish" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The robber brandished his gun and demanded money.
Example
She brandished her diploma to prove her qualifications.
Example
The politician brandished his power to intimidate his opponents.
Example
He brandished the contract in front of them.
brandish Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with brandish
Example
He brandished his fist at the driver who cut him off.
brandish one's credentials
to show off one's qualifications or achievements in an attempt to impress others
Example
She brandished her credentials to secure the job.
Example
The soldier brandished his rifle to scare off the enemy.
Origins of brandish
from Old French 'brandir', meaning 'to flourish (a sword)'
Summary: brandish in Brief
The verb 'brandish' [ˈbrandɪʃ] means to wave something, often a weapon, in a threatening or excited way, or to display something in an ostentatious or aggressive way. Examples include 'The robber brandished his gun and demanded money.' and 'She brandished her diploma to prove her qualifications.' Phrases include 'brandish one's fist,' 'brandish one's credentials,' and 'brandish a weapon.'
