heilauttaa

heilauttaa is a Finnish verb meaning to swing something quickly and with a sweeping motion, or to wave or brandish. The action can describe moving a body part, such as a hand, or moving an object like a sword, a flag, or a baton. The motion often conveys emphasis, greeting, or force, depending on the context. In everyday language it is used for both gestures and for weapons or tools.

Common uses include waving a hand as a greeting, or swinging a weapon or tool with a visible arc. Examples: Hän heilautti kättään tervehdykseksi. Mies heilautti miekkaa ilmassa. Lippu heilautettiin tuulessa. The verb typically takes a direct object representing the thing that is swung.

Etymology and form: Heilauttaa is a regular Finnish verb of the -taa type. It is linked to the stem related to heilahtaa, meaning to swing or sway; the -uttaa suffix forms a causative sense, i.e., to cause something to swing.

Related terms: heilahdella or heilata (to sway or swing), heilahdus (a swing or flourish), heilauttaminen (the act of swinging or brandishing).

See also: gestures and motions in Finnish, and other motion verbs with semantic area around swinging or brandishing.