Axe: meaning, definitions and examples

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axe

[ æks ]

^{Context #1}

tool

A tool typically used for chopping wood, consisting of a heavy metal blade attached to a long handle.

Synonyms

cleaver, hatchet, tomahawk

Examples of usage

He used an axe to chop firewood for the winter.
The lumberjack swung his axe with precision.

^{Context #2}

termination

A termination of employment, especially for economic reasons.

Synonyms

dismissal, firing, sacking

Examples of usage

The company announced layoffs, and many employees were given the axe.
Due to budget cuts, several departments faced the axe.

^{Context #3}

remove abruptly

To remove abruptly or dismiss someone or something from a particular situation.

Synonyms

cut, drop, eliminate

Examples of usage

The project was axed due to lack of funding.
The TV show got axed after the first season.

Translations

Translations of the word "axe" in other languages:

🇵🇹 machado

🇮🇳 कुल्हाड़ी (kulhadi)

🇩🇪 Axt

🇮🇩 kapak

🇺🇦 сокира

🇵🇱 siekiera

🇯🇵 斧 (ono)

🇫🇷 hache

🇪🇸 hacha

🇹🇷 balta

🇰🇷 도끼 (dokki)

🇸🇦 فأس (fa's)

🇨🇿 sekera

🇸🇰 sekera

🇨🇳 斧头 (fǔtou)

🇸🇮 sekira

🇮🇸 öxi

🇰🇿 балта

🇬🇪 ნაჯახი (najakhi)

🇦🇿 balta

🇲🇽 hacha

Word origin

The word 'axe' has a long history, with origins dating back to Old English 'æcs'. It was commonly used in medieval times as a tool for cutting wood and clearing forests. Over time, the term 'axe' evolved to also refer to the termination of something, such as employment or a project. The modern usage of 'axe' as a verb to mean to remove abruptly gained popularity in the 20th century, especially in the context of entertainment and business.