Axe: meaning, definitions and examples

As above; same word and meaning.

• He swung the axe with great force.
• The show got the axe after just one season.

Useful for chopping small pieces of wood and often carried in camping or hiking gear. It has a smaller size than an axe.

• She took the hatchet to cut some kindling for the fire.
• He kept a small hatchet in his backpack for emergencies.

Has historical and cultural significance, particularly in Native American culture. It can be used as a tool or weapon and is sometimes used in throwing sports.

• The exhibit featured an ancient tomahawk.
• He practiced throwing his tomahawk at a target in the backyard.

Best used in the kitchen for cutting through meat and bones. Professional chefs and butchers often use it.

• The chef expertly used the cleaver to prepare the meat.
• He bought a new cleaver for his home kitchen.

Used in informal contexts, often related to budget cuts or job reductions. It implies a sudden and harsh elimination of positions or services.

• The company had to axe several departments due to budget cuts
• The new policy led to the axing of numerous public programs

A more formal term used in professional or legal contexts. It reflects a standard procedure of terminating employment, often for performance reasons or misconduct.

• The board of directors decided on the dismissal of the CEO after the scandal
• The employee faced dismissal due to constant tardiness

Often used in informal British English. It usually conveys a negative connotation and implies a somewhat abrupt termination.

• The football team faced backlash for the sacking of the coach mid-season
• Everybody was shocked by the sudden sacking of the popular teacher

Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. It usually implies that the employee's performance or behavior directly led to their job termination.

• His continued negligence resulted in his firing
• The manager didn't hesitate to inform him of his firing after the repeated warnings

Another spelling for 'ax,' primarily in British English, used in the same literal and metaphorical contexts.

• She swung the axe to split the log
• Due to poor ratings, the show was axed

Can mean removing a part, reducing numbers, or making a physical incision. Broadly applied in various contexts, from cutting a piece of paper to cutting down staff or expenses.

• He used scissors to cut the paper
• The company plans to cut jobs next quarter

Indicates a more casual removal or letting go, often used in terms of stopping activities, classes, or items. Less harsh than 'axe' or 'eliminate.'

• She dropped the package on the floor
• He decided to drop the class because it was too difficult

Formal and often final, used for removing something completely, often employed in strategic or analytical contexts.

• We need to eliminate all errors from the report
• The new policy aims to eliminate inefficiency