noun

brandishing

Brandishing (noun) means the act of waving or holding something, usually a weapon, in a threatening or showy way. Example: “Brandishing a knife in public can lead to serious criminal charges.”

noun

The act of waving or holding something, usually a weapon, in a threatening or showy way.

"Brandishing a knife in public can lead to serious criminal charges."

"The security footage showed the man brandishing a bat as he entered the store."

How to use brandishing

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWaving something around, often a weapon, to show off or to threaten someone.

Memory tip

It almost always describes waving something dangerous or attention-grabbing — you brandish a sword, not a pencil.

Common pairings

brandishing a weapon brandishing a knife brandishing a gun

Word forms

brandishings plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ a knife in public can lead to serious criminal charges.

Rhymes for brandishing

fishing dishing phishing swishing vanishing perishing finishing punishing polishing ravishing nourishing publishing

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Frequently asked questions

What does “brandishing” mean?

The word “brandishing” means the act of waving or holding something, usually a weapon, in a threatening or showy way. In plain terms, waving something around, often a weapon, to show off or to threaten someone.

How do you use “brandishing” in a sentence?

Here is “brandishing” used in a sentence: “Brandishing a knife in public can lead to serious criminal charges.”

What part of speech is “brandishing”?

“Brandishing” is a noun.

What is the meaning of brandishing?

"brandishing" (noun) means the act of waving or holding something, usually a weapon, in a threatening or showy way.