Axe Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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axe
[æks ]
Definitions
tool
A tool typically used for chopping wood, consisting of a heavy metal blade attached to a long handle.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| axe |
As above; same word and meaning.
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| hatchet |
Useful for chopping small pieces of wood and often carried in camping or hiking gear. It has a smaller size than an axe.
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| tomahawk |
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.
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| cleaver |
Best used in the kitchen for cutting through meat and bones. Professional chefs and butchers often use it.
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Examples of usage
- He used an axe to chop firewood for the winter.
- The lumberjack swung his axe with precision.
termination
A termination of employment, especially for economic reasons.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| axe |
Used in informal contexts, often related to budget cuts or job reductions. It implies a sudden and harsh elimination of positions or services.
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| dismissal |
A more formal term used in professional or legal contexts. It reflects a standard procedure of terminating employment, often for performance reasons or misconduct.
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| sacking |
Often used in informal British English. It usually conveys a negative connotation and implies a somewhat abrupt termination.
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| firing |
Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. It usually implies that the employee's performance or behavior directly led to their job termination.
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Examples of usage
- The company announced layoffs, and many employees were given the axe.
- Due to budget cuts, several departments faced the axe.
remove abruptly
To remove abruptly or dismiss someone or something from a particular situation.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| axe |
Another spelling for 'ax,' primarily in British English, used in the same literal and metaphorical contexts.
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| cut |
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.
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| drop |
Indicates a more casual removal or letting go, often used in terms of stopping activities, classes, or items. Less harsh than 'axe' or 'eliminate.'
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| eliminate |
Formal and often final, used for removing something completely, often employed in strategic or analytical contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The project was axed due to lack of funding.
- The TV show got axed after the first season.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The axe has been used for thousands of years, dating back to the Stone Age when early humans crafted them from stones.
- In ancient cultures, axes were not only tools but also symbols of power and authority, often associated with deities and warriors.
- The name 'axe' comes from the Old English word 'æx,' which relates to similar terms in other languages, suggesting a long-standing significance across cultures.
Science & Technology
- There are various types of axes designed for specific purposes: felling axes for chopping wood, hatchets for small jobs, and axes for splitting logs.
- Axes can be made of steel, aluminum, or modern composites which make them lighter and more effective compared to traditional wooden axes.
- The mechanics of using an axe involves physics—when swung, its weight and speed create energy that helps make cuts with greater ease.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, axes are featured in folklore and mythology, symbolizing labor, strength, or conflict, such as Thor's Mjölnir, often depicted as a hammer resembling an axe.
- Some Indigenous peoples have used axes in sacred rituals, recognizing their connection to nature and the importance of trees and wood in their lives.
- Axe throwing has become a popular recreational and competitive activity, showcasing skill and precision as well as a nod to historical practices.
Literature
- Axes appear in literature as symbols of destruction and renewal. For example, they often represent the harshness of survival in survival-themed novels.
- Folklore often includes heroes wielding axes to slay giants or defend their homes, reinforcing virtues of bravery and strength.
- Notable literary works frequently depict axes to reflect societal changes, as characters transition from simplicity to complexity in their journeys.
Origin of 'axe'
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.