Did you know?
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
Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2025
More notable, however, is a four-minute sequence in which the film turns into an actual first-person shooter, and Reaper runs through corridors brandishing guns, grenades, and, of course, the franchise's iconic chainsaw to exterminate some unwanted pests.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Together, the statements gave the impression Martinez had been brandishing her firearm when she was shot.
—Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
Ace holds center stage, knees bent, slung low to the ground, brandishing his Gibson while Gene and Paul preen on either side of him.
—Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 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 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy Citation
Share