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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
Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
As Tatiana pulled into her driveway, Green exited his truck and ran toward her, brandishing a gun.
—Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2025
Video captured at the scene shows chaos, with Indianapolis Metropolitan Police running with firearms brandished in a crowd of people gathered everywhere around the shopping plaza.
—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
See All Example Sentences for brandish
Cite this Entry
“Brandish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brandish. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.
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