Brandish
/ˈbrændɪʃ/
verbB2
Definition
To brandish means to hold something up and move it around so others can see it clearly, often in a way that shows strength, warning, or threat. It is usually used when someone shows a weapon or object in a clear and sometimes aggressive way.
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See It in Action
To wave or shake something, especially a weapon, in a threatening or noticeable way
- •The knight brandished his sword before the battle.
- •She brandished the knife to scare off the attacker.
- •The protester brandished a sign to show their message.
To show or display something in a proud or noticeable way
- •He brandished his trophy after winning the race.
- •The chef brandished a large knife while cooking on TV.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "brandish" like "wave," but more forceful and showing something important or dangerous.
- ✓Picture a person holding a sword high and moving it so everyone can see it clearly.
- ✓It's the feeling when someone wants to show power or warn others by showing what they have.
- ✓Sounds like "BRAND-ish" → imagine someone showing off a new brand (product) by waving it around loudly and proudly.
- ✓In stories, heroes or villains often brandish swords or tools to show they are ready for action.
- ✓NOT like "hide" (keep something secret), brandish means to show something openly and clearly.
- ✓NOT like "throw" (send something far away), brandish means to wave or hold something close and visible.
- ✓NOT like "wave" (friendly or casual motion), brandish is stronger and often serious or threatening.
Try Other Words
- •Wield: to hold and use a tool or weapon (Use when focusing on control and use rather than just showing)
- •Shake: to move something quickly back and forth (Use when the movement is less about showing and more about motion)
- •Display: to show something clearly (Use when the focus is on showing proudly, not threatening)
- •Wave: to move something back and forth or side to side (Use when the action is friendly or casual)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: Possibly from Old French "brandir" meaning "to flourish or wave a weapon"
- •Etymology: Comes from Old French and Germanic roots related to waving or flourishing arms
- •Historical development: Originally used to describe warriors waving swords or weapons before battle
- •Modern usage: Used to describe showing or waving weapons or objects in a strong or threatening way, or proudly displaying something
Reflect & Connect
•When might brandishing be seen as threatening, and when could it be just showing something proudly?
•How does the way someone brandishes an object change the message they send to others?
Fill in the blanks
1.The soldier brandished his sword ___ to warn the enemy to stay back.
2.She brandished the certificate ___ after finishing the course with top marks.
3.Unlike waving, brandish usually shows something ___ or important.
4.When the man brandished the weapon, people felt ___ and started to move away.
5.The chef brandished the knife ___ while explaining the recipe on TV.
6.You should not brandish a weapon in public because it can ___ fear or trouble.
7.The protester brandished a sign ___ to make sure everyone saw their message.