Definition of: flourish

(flûr′ish) v.i.
1. To grow or fare well or prosperously; thrive.
2. To be at the peak of success or development; be at the height or in the prime: Alchemy flourished in the Middle Ages.
3. To move with sweeping motions; be displayed or waved about: Swords flourished in the air.
4. To write with sweeping or ornamental strokes.
5. Music a To play a showy passage. b To sound a fanfare.
6. Obs. To blossom.
—v.t.
7. To wave about or brandish; flaunt, as a weapon or flag.
8. To embellish, as with ornamental lines or figures.
—noun
1. An ornamental mark or design, especially a sweeping stroke, as in writing or embroidery; anything done for display alone.
2. The act of brandishing or waving.
3. A musical passage for display; fanfare. See synonyms under OSTENTATION. [<OF floriss-, stem of florir <L florere bloom]
—flour′ish·er noun
—flour′ish·ing adjective
—flour′ish·ing·ly adverb Synonyms (verb): advance, blossom, flower, gain, grow, increase, prosper, thrive. See FLAUNT, GAIN¹, SUCCEED. Antonyms: see synonyms for FALL.