Axe

Quick meaning: Axe is a noun meaning A tool for felling trees or chopping wood etc. consisting of a heavy head flattened to a blade on one side, and a handle attached to it.

Meaning

A tool for felling trees or chopping wood etc. consisting of a heavy head flattened to a blade on one side, and a handle attached to it.

More Meanings

1. An ancient weapon consisting of a head that has one or two blades and a long handle.
2. (informal) A dismissal or rejection.
3. (figurative) A drastic reduction or cutback.
4. (finance) A position, interest, or reason in buying and selling stock, often with ulterior motives.
5. (transitive) To fell or chop with an axe.
6. (transitive, figurative) To lay off, terminate or drastically reduce, especially in a rough or ruthless manner; to cancel.
7. (slang, music) A gigging musician's particular instrument, especially a guitar in rock music or a saxophone in jazz.

Example Sentences

the Beeching Axe

The tractor plant is slated for the axe.

His girlfriend/boss/schoolmaster gave him the axe.

The government announced its plans to axe public spending.

Word Forms

• axes
• axeing
• axed

Synonyms for axe

Depending on context, synonyms include chop, sack, boot, downsize, fire, lay off.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include ax, hatchet, machete, chopper, blade, helve.

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