Axe: meaning, definitions and examples

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axe

[æks ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

tool

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

Synonyms

cleaver, hatchet, tomahawk.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
axe	As above; same word and meaning. He swung the axe with great force. The show got the axe after just one season.
hatchet	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.
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. The exhibit featured an ancient tomahawk. He practiced throwing his tomahawk at a target in the backyard.
cleaver	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.

Examples of usage

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

^{Context #2 | Noun}

termination

A termination of employment, especially for economic reasons.

Synonyms

dismissal, firing, sacking.

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. The company had to axe several departments due to budget cuts The new policy led to the axing of numerous public programs
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. The board of directors decided on the dismissal of the CEO after the scandal The employee faced dismissal due to constant tardiness
sacking	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
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. His continued negligence resulted in his firing The manager didn't hesitate to inform him of his firing after the repeated warnings

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 | Verb}

remove abruptly

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

Synonyms

cut, drop, eliminate.

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. She swung the axe to split the log Due to poor ratings, the show was axed
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. He used scissors to cut the paper The company plans to cut jobs next quarter
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.' She dropped the package on the floor He decided to drop the class because it was too difficult
eliminate	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

Examples of usage

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

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.

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 Frequency Rank

Position #9,916 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
9913 meridian
9914 tungsten
9915 effectual
9916 axe
9917 traversed
9918 pictured
9919 softened
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