振り翳す

• Reading: ふりかざす
• Romaji: furikazasu
• Kanji breakdown: 振 (furi) — swing, wave; 翳 (kaza) — hold up, cast shade
• Pronunciation: /ɸɯ.ɾi.ka.za.sɯ/

Meaning

To brandish; to hold up threateningly; to flaunt something as justification.

A Group 1 (godan) compound verb from 振る (swing) + 翳す (hold up/cast a shadow over). Literally means to raise and wave a weapon or object menacingly. The figurative sense—wielding authority, ideology, or power in a coercive or ostentatious way—is common in political and journalistic contexts: 正義を振り翳す (to invoke justice as a cudgel).

Examples

1. 男は刃物を振り翳し、店員を脅した。 The man brandished a blade and threatened the shop assistant.
2. 権力を振り翳すだけの指導者には誰もついていかない。 No one follows a leader who does nothing but wield power.
3. 大義名分を振り翳しながら行われる侵略は最も危険だ。 An invasion carried out under the banner of a righteous cause is the most dangerous kind.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, narrative, crime, journalism

Tone: critical

Origin & History

Compound of 振る (swing, wave) + 翳す (hold aloft, shade). 翳す itself derives from 翳 (hi, a shade or canopy), suggesting the act of holding something up so it casts a shadow—an image of imposing presence or threat.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated