brandish
Translation
to brandish, to wave
Examples
He brandished a sword at the enemy.
He brandished a sword at the enemy.
She brandished her new phone for everyone to see.
She brandished her new phone for everyone to see.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to wave or flourish (sth.), especially a weapon He brandished a sword at the enemy.
Similar Words
Synonyms: wave, flourish, swing, display
Etymology
From Old French 'brandir', related to 'brand' (sword). The idea is of waving a sword.
Memory Tips
Imagine someone waving a 'brand' (a sword or a firebrand) around to threaten or show off.