To brandish means to wave or display something, especially a weapon, in a bold, dramatic, or threatening way. When a pirate brandishes a sword, he swings it around to look fierce and intimidating. When a knight brandishes her lance before a tournament, she's showing it off with confidence and flair.

The word suggests visible, showy movement. You wouldn't say someone brandished a knife if they quietly kept it in their pocket. But if they pulled it out and waved it around to scare or impress people, that's brandishing.

While brandish often describes weapons, you can brandish other things too. A conductor might brandish his baton during an exciting musical passage. A protester might brandish a sign to make sure everyone sees her message. A proud student might brandish a perfect test score, holding it up triumphantly for everyone to see.

The key is that brandishing means showing something off with energy and purpose. The gesture matters as much as the object itself.