brandish a weapon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brandish a weapon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts involving the display or waving of a weapon, often to intimidate or threaten. Example: "The suspect was seen to brandish a weapon during the robbery, causing panic among the witnesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But Brand pointed out that it's actually easier to brandish a weapon in this particularly gun-friendly city than it is a plate of food.

Huffington Post

Never raise a weapon against someone without their mask on, and never let anyone point or brandish a weapon at you without your mask in place.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The boy was charged with brandishing a weapon.

The Washington Post

"He never brandished a weapon at any federal officer.

The Guardian

Loehmann and his partner, Frank Garmback, were responding to a call about a "guy" brandishing a weapon.

The Guardian

"Most significantly, the video discloses one of his attackers brandishing a weapon.

The Guardian - Music

Police claimed Alston fled from a stolen car and brandished a weapon at the pursuing official who then opened fire.

The Guardian

It was illustrated by a mock-up of a youth concealed by a Reading FC scarf brandishing a weapon.

The Guardian

When the officers approached a car, Captain Scofield said, a man "brandished a weapon and shot through the window".

The New York Times

State Park Police officers stopped Mr. Wilson nearby and shot him after he brandished a weapon at them, the police said.

The New York Times

All the robberies were "note jobs," meaning that the robber handed over a demand note but never brandished a weapon, the police said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "brandish a weapon", ensure the context clearly indicates the intent and manner of displaying the weapon, as it often implies a threatening or intimidating action. Check whether you're trying to describe the 'intent' or just a 'display' of the weapon.

Common error

Avoid using "brandish a weapon" when simply describing someone carrying a weapon without intent to threaten. "Brandish" implies a deliberate and visible display for intimidation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brandish a weapon" functions primarily as a verb phrase, describing the action of displaying or waving a weapon, often with the intent to threaten or intimidate. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brandish a weapon" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of displaying or waving a weapon, often in a threatening manner. Ludwig AI indicates its proper usage. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "wave a weapon" or "display a weapon" exist, "brandish a weapon" carries a specific connotation of intimidation. When writing, ensure you use it accurately to convey the intended sense of threat or aggression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wave a weapon

Focuses on the motion of moving the weapon around, possibly in a threatening manner.

display a weapon

Emphasizes the act of making the weapon visible, often for intimidation.

flourish a weapon

Implies a showy or ostentatious display of the weapon.

draw a weapon

Refers to the act of taking out or unsheathing a weapon, ready for use.

exhibit a weapon

Highlights the act of showing or presenting the weapon.

present a weapon

Implies offering or holding up the weapon, often with a specific purpose.

show a weapon

Simple act of making the weapon visible, without necessarily implying threat.

hold up a weapon

Emphasizes the act of raising and displaying the weapon.

wield a weapon

Highlights the act of holding and being ready to use the weapon.

flash a weapon

Suggests a quick, brief display of the weapon, possibly for shock value.

FAQs

What does "brandish a weapon" mean?

To "brandish a weapon" means to exhibit or wave a weapon, especially in a menacing or aggressive manner.

What are some synonyms for "brandish a weapon"?

Alternatives include "wave a weapon", "display a weapon", or "flourish a weapon", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "brandishing a weapon" a crime?

Yes, in many jurisdictions, "brandishing a weapon" is a crime, often classified as a form of aggravated assault or similar offense.

How to correctly use "brandish a weapon" in a sentence?

Ensure the context indicates a deliberate display of the weapon, such as, "The suspect was arrested for "brandishing a weapon" at the police officer."