Brandish

Pronunciation: /ˈbrændɪʃ/

Definitions of brandish

verb to wave or flourish (something, especially a weapon) as a threat or in anger or excitement

Example Sentences

A1 The pirate brandished his sword in the air.

A2 She brandished her new phone excitedly in front of her friends.

B1 The politician brandished the latest poll numbers during the debate.

B2 The protesters brandished signs and chanted slogans outside the government building.

C1 The conductor brandished his baton, signaling the start of the symphony.

C2 The champion boxer brandished his title belt in victory as the crowd cheered.

Examples of brandish in a Sentence

formal The suspect attempted to brandish a weapon in front of the officers.

informal He brandished his new phone to show off its features.

slang She brandished her dance moves on the dance floor.

figurative The politician tried to brandish his power during the debate.

Grammatical Forms of brandish

• past tense: brandished
• plural: brandishes
• comparative: more brandished
• superlative: most brandished
• present tense: brandish
• future tense: will brandish
• perfect tense: have brandished
• continuous tense: is brandishing
• singular: brandish
• positive degree: brandish
• infinitive: to brandish
• gerund: brandishing
• participle: brandishing

Origin and Evolution of brandish

First Known Use: 1300 year

Language of Origin: Old French

Story behind the word: The word 'brandish' originated from the Old French word 'brandir' meaning to flourish a weapon.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe the action of waving or flourishing a weapon, 'brandish' has evolved to also mean to wave or exhibit something in a threatening or showy manner.