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The word brandish is often paired with a word for a weapon, such as knife or handgun. The link between brandish and weaponry is present in the word’s etymology: brandish comes ultimately from a Germanic word meaning “sword.” Since the word’s 14th century introduction to the English language (by way of Anglo-French) weapons have commonly been the things brandished, but also extensive is the use of brandish with things that are wielded to defeat in other ways, such as banners and placards used in the war of ideas. One can even brandish something that isn’t physical, such as a law or one’s intellect. In that case, you are figuratively waving the thing in someone’s face so that it cannot be ignored.
Examples of brandish in a Sentence
Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 21 Sep. 2025
On the morning of the show, police officers arrived with a bailiff brandishing an eviction notice, seeking to requisition the premises for the French government.
—Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2025
The staff were physically unharmed and the suspect did not brandish any weapons, WFTV added, citing a police report.
—Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2025
One of the motorists brandished a weapon and gunshots were fired.
—Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brandish
Cite this Entry
“Brandish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brandish. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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