# brandish

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˈbɹændɪʃ/ · frequency rank #74,783

## Definitions
1. To move or swing a weapon back and forth, particularly if demonstrating anger, threat or skill.
2. To bear something with ostentatious show.

## Etymology
From Middle English braundischen, from Old French brandiss-, stem of brandir (“to flourish a sword”), from Frankish *brandijan, from Frankish *brand (“firebrand; sword”), from Proto-Germanic *brandaz (“fire; flame; sword”), whence Old English brand (“firebrand; torch”); equivalent to brand + -ish. More at brand.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/brandish