brandishing
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈbrændɪʃɪŋ/
KK: /ˈbrændɪʃɪŋ/
noun
Definition
The act of waving or holding something, especially a weapon, in a threatening or excited manner.
Example
The knight was brandishing his sword to scare off the enemy.
Conversation
Did you see that guy at the park brandishing a stick?
Yeah, it looked like he was pretending to be a knight or something!
It was so funny — I couldn't stop laughing.
Right? It was like a scene from a movie.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
waving
flourishing
displaying
Antonyms
concealment
hiding
retraction
verb
Definition
To wave or flourish something, especially a weapon, in a threatening or dramatic way.
Example
The knight was brandishing his sword to scare off the enemy.
Tense Forms
Past: brandished
Past Participle: brandished
Conversation
Did you see that guy brandishing a sword in the park yesterday?
Yeah, it looked pretty crazy!
I can't believe he thought it was a good idea to wave it around like that.
Root Explanation
Brandishing → The word 'brandishing' comes from the root 'brand' (from Old English 'brand', meaning sword or firebrand) and the suffix '-ish' (meaning having the quality of). The term describes the action of waving or flourishing something, typically a weapon, in a threatening or triumphant manner.
Memory Tip
Think of 'brand' as a sword or weapon being waved around, and '-ish' suggesting the action of doing so. This helps you remember that 'brandishing' means to wave or flourish something, often in a showy or aggressive way.
Visually Confused Words
blandishing
burnishing
blandishingly
brattishing
vanishing
ravishing