brandish
- v. 挥舞
- Definition
- v. to wave something, especially a weapon, around in a threatening way
- Example
- The angry man began to brandish a stick at the dog.
- 那个愤怒的男人开始朝狗挥舞棍子。
Synonyms & Differences 近义词辨析
Compared meaning: to wave something in the air (verb).
比较义项：挥舞（动词）。
- flourish
means to wave something about in a showy, triumphant or attention-seeking way, with no hint of threat; often used with things like tickets, certificates or trophies
指炫耀性地挥动某物，带有得意或引人注目的意味，没有威胁的意思；常与车票、证书、奖杯等搭配使用
She flourished her winning ticket in the air for everyone to see.
她把中奖的彩票在空中挥舞，让每个人都看见。
- brandish 本词
means to wave something around aggressively as a threat, almost always a weapon or weapon-like object, to intimidate someone
指带有威胁性地挥舞某物，几乎总是武器或类似武器的东西，目的是恐吓他人
The robber brandished a knife and demanded all the money.
劫匪挥舞着一把刀，要求交出所有的钱。
Both words mean to wave something in your hand, but the tone differs. Brandish suggests a threatening, aggressive wave, usually of a weapon. Flourish suggests a showy, proud wave, like performing, with no threat. This does not compare flourish meaning to prosper or grow well.
两词都指挥动手中之物，但语气强弱不同：brandish 带有威胁、挑衅的意味，常与武器搭配；flourish 则是炫耀性地挥动，带表演或得意的意味，并无威胁之意。这里不比较 flourish 的“繁荣，茂盛”义。