brandish

¹bran·dish

verb \ˈbran-dish\

: to wave or swing (something, such as a weapon) in a threatening or excited manner

Full Definition of BRANDISH

transitive verb

1

:  to shake or wave (as a weapon) menacingly

2

:  to exhibit in an ostentatious or aggressive manner

Examples of BRANDISH

1. She brandished a stick at the dog.
2. I could see that he was brandishing a knife.

Origin of BRANDISH

Middle English braundisshen, from Anglo-French brandiss-, stem of brandir, from brant, braund sword, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English brand

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with BRANDISH

blandish, standish, Standish

²brandish

noun

Definition of BRANDISH

:  an act or instance of brandishing

First Known Use of BRANDISH

1599