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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

Rhymes with FLOURISH

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