flourish

¹flour·ish

verb \ˈflər-ish, ˈflə-rish\

Definition of FLOURISH

intransitive verb

1

: to grow luxuriantly : thrive

2

a : to achieve success : prosper <a flourishing business> b : to be in a state of activity or production <flourished around 1850> c : to reach a height of development or influence

3

: to make bold and sweeping gestures

transitive verb

: to wield with dramatic gestures : brandish

— flour·ish·er noun

— flour·ish·ing·ly\-i-shiŋ-lē\ adverb

Examples of FLOURISH

1. plants and animals that flourished here thousands of years ago
2. Regional markets have flourished in recent years.
3. a decorative style that flourished in the 1920s
4. Dressed as a pirate, he entered the stage flourishing his sword.

Origin of FLOURISH

Middle English florisshen, from Anglo-French fluriss-, stem of flurir, florir, from Vulgar Latin *florire, alteration of Latin florēre, from flor-, flos flower

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to FLOURISH

Synonyms: burgeon (also bourgeon), thrive, prosper

Antonyms: fail

Related Words: luxuriate, overgrow, proliferate, shoot up; germinate, root, sprout; bloom, flower, fruit, produce, propagate, regenerate, seed

Near Antonyms: flounder, struggle

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at swing

Rhymes with FLOURISH

currish, nourish