godan verb (-u), transitive verb
swing; wield (physically); exert
Physical action of swinging or brandishing something, such as a weapon, tool, or one's arm. Also used for exerting physical force.
See also: 槍を振るう
彼は刀を振るって敵に立ち向かった。
He swung his sword and faced the enemy.
バッターがバットを力強く振るった。
The batter swung the bat powerfully.
godan verb (-u), transitive verb
exercise (power); display (ability); wield (metaphorically)
Metaphorical use: exercising authority, influence, or talent. Common with nouns like 権力, 手腕, 威, 指揮.
See also: 威を振るう
新社長は改革に手腕を振るった。
The new president exercised his skills in the reform.
上司が部下に威を振るうのはよくない。
It's not good for a boss to wield authority over subordinates.
godan verb (-u), transitive verb
Intransitive use describing a business, organization, or person thriving. Often seen in the negative form 振るわない (not doing well).
最近、あの店はあまり振るっていないらしい。
Lately, that shop doesn't seem to be doing very well.
彼の会社は海外で大いに振るっている。
His company is thriving overseas.