intransitive verb
1. to grow and thrive; be healthy and vigorous.
Ferns do not flourish in direct sunlight.
My tomato plants are flourishing this year, so I have plenty of tomatoes to give to friends.
2. to do well; succeed; prosper.
Businesses flourished during the economic boom.
Middle school was hard for her, but she’s flourishing now in high school.
3. to be in a period of highest strength, influence, fame or the like.
Vaudeville flourished in the early part of the twentieth century.
transitive verb
1. to wave about dramatically; brandish.
The actors flourished their swords in mock battle.