brandish

¹bran·dish

verb \ˈbran-dish\

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