Etymology Verb and Noun Middle English braundisshen, from Anglo-French brandiss-, stem of brandir, from brant, braund sword, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English brand First Known Use Verb 14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1 Noun 1601, in the meaning defined above Time ...
The meaning of BRANDISH is to shake or wave (something, such as a weapon) menacingly. How to use brandish in a sentence. Did you know? Synonym Discussion of Brandish.
Definition of brandish (Entry 2 of 2) : an act or instance of waving something menacingly or exhibiting something ostentatiously or aggressively : an act or instance of brandishing Examples of brandish in a Sentence Verb She brandished a stick at the dog. ...
That’s appropriate given the word’s etymology: it is a descendant of the Middle English braundisshen, which comes from the Anglo-French brant or braund, a word of Germanic origin meaning “sword.” Nowadays you can brandish things other than weapons, however. The figurative usage of ...