Episode Overview

Theme:
This episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day features the verb brandish as the focus. The episode explores the word’s definition, its common usages (both literal and figurative), etymological background, and an engaging example in context, all presented in the concise and educational tone typical of the series.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Definition and Pronunciation

• Brandish [00:42]
  • Spelled B-R-A-N-D-I-S-H.
  • A verb: "To brandish something, such as a weapon, is to wave or swing it in a threatening or excited manner."

2. Example in Context

• [00:55]
  • Associated Press sentence:

    "Children participate in the festivities by mimicking the older performers, boys brandish miniature swords and scarves in their small hands, and girls stand with the female drummers."

• This example situates "brandish" in a lively, cultural festival, highlighting its use with objects like "miniature swords and scarves."

3. Common Collocations

• [01:22]
  • “The word brandish is often paired with a word for a weapon, such as knife or handgun. The link between brandish and weaponry is present in the word's etymology.”

4. Etymology

• [01:28]
  • "Brandish comes ultimately from a Germanic word meaning sword. Since the word's 14th-century introduction to the English language by way of Anglo-French, weapons have commonly been the things brandished."
• This establishes a deep historical connection between "brandish" and swords/weapons.

5. Metaphorical Uses

• [01:49]
  • “But also extensive is the use of brandish with things that are wielded to defeat in other ways, such as banners and placards used in the war of ideas. One can even brandish something that isn't physical, such as a law or one's intellect. In that case, you are figuratively waving the thing in someone's face so that it cannot be ignored...”
• This insight covers the modern, figurative uses of "brandish," showing its flexibility in English.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Literal and Figurative Use

  "One can even brandish something that isn't physical, such as a law or one's intellect. In that case, you are figuratively waving the thing in someone's face so that it cannot be ignored..."
  – Peter Sokolowski, [02:07]

• On Weaponry Collocation

  "The word brandish is often paired with a word for a weapon, such as knife or handgun."
  – Peter Sokolowski, [01:22]

• On Etymology

  "Brandish comes ultimately from a Germanic word meaning sword."
  – Peter Sokolowski, [01:28]

Important Segment Timestamps

• Definition & Usage Example: [00:42] – [01:22]
• Etymology & History: [01:28] – [01:49]
• Metaphorical Extension: [01:49] – [02:14]
• Memorable Close & Sign-Off: [02:14]

Summary

Brandish in this episode is explored both as a concrete action (often with weapons) and as a rich metaphor for waving ideas, laws, or intellect in a way that demands attention. The host, Peter Sokolowski, provides vivid examples, dives into the word’s historical roots, and emphasizes its flexibility in contemporary speech—all succinctly and in an engaging, informative manner.

For anyone seeking to expand their vocabulary in subtle, nuanced ways, brandish is presented as a word with both ancient strength and modern versatility.