Sledgehammer: meaning, definitions and examples

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sledgehammer

[ˈslɛdʒˌhæmər ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

construction tool

A sledgehammer is a large, heavy hammer used for tasks such as breaking up concrete or driving in stakes. It typically has a long handle and a large, flat metal head.

Synonyms

demolition hammer, maul, maul hammer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sledgehammer	Used for heavy-duty tasks such as breaking concrete, driving stakes, or demolition work. It's a large, heavy hammer with a long handle. He used a sledgehammer to break the concrete slab. The workers brought a sledgehammer to demolish the old wall.
maul	Commonly used for splitting wood and heavy-duty striking tasks. It has a heavy head with a wedge shape on one side and a flat face on the other. He grabbed the maul to split the logs for the fireplace. Using a maul makes chopping wood much easier.
maul hammer	Less common and often redundant term, usually referring to a maul or a type of heavy hammer. Used for similar tasks as the maul. He picked up the maul hammer for some serious wood splitting. The maul hammer was essential for the heavy-duty job.
demolition hammer	Specifically designed for breaking up concrete, asphalt, and other tough materials. This term often refers to a power tool used in construction. The demolition hammer made quick work of the old pavement. They rented a demolition hammer to take down the brick wall.

Examples of usage

The construction worker used a sledgehammer to break up the old concrete.
He swung the sledgehammer with all his strength to drive the stake into the ground.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'sledge' comes from the Old English 'slycan,' which means to slide, giving a sense of weight and force.
The 'hammer' part of the word comes from Germanic roots, reflecting tools used since the Stone Age for crafting.
Both parts of the word have roots in ancient languages, indicating how long people have used heavy tools.

Historical Usage

Sledgehammers have been used since at least the Middle Ages for construction and demolition of buildings.
During the Industrial Revolution, these tools became essential for workers as factories expanded and needed heavy machinery.
Sledgehammers were crucial for mining activities, especially for breaking rock to extract valuable minerals.

Pop Culture

Sledgehammers appear in movies like 'Die Hard' and 'The Blues Brothers', representing power and chaotic action.
The phrase 'sledgehammer approach' is often used to describe methods that are forceful and blunt, derived from the tool’s power.
In music, 'sledgehammer' was famously used by Peter Gabriel in a song metaphorically demonstrating impact and change.

Engineering and Construction

In construction, this tool is vital for breaking down concrete structures and facilitating renovations.
Sledgehammers are commonly used in demolition, capable of delivering a massive force to break tough materials.
Specialized sledgehammers exist for specific tasks, such as those with rubber heads to prevent damage to surfaces.

Psychology

The concept of using a sledgehammer metaphorically applies to decision-making processes, where one might favor aggressive solutions.
This tool symbolizes brute force in psychology, illustrating how sometimes direct and aggressive methods can overshadow subtler strategies.
In discussions of conflict resolution, a 'sledgehammer tactic' often indicates an overly forceful approach that may not be suitable for delicate situations.

Translations

Translations of the word "sledgehammer" in other languages:

🇵🇹 marreta

🇮🇳 स्लेजहैमर

🇩🇪 Vorschlaghammer

🇮🇩 palu godam

🇺🇦 кувалда

🇵🇱 młot kowalski

🇯🇵 大槌

🇫🇷 massue

🇪🇸 mazo

🇹🇷 balyoz

🇰🇷 대형 망치

🇸🇦 مطرقة ثقيلة

🇨🇿 kladivo na kovadlinu

🇸🇰 kovačský kladivo

🇨🇳 大锤

🇸🇮 kladivo za kovačijo

🇮🇸 sleggja

🇰🇿 балға

🇬🇪 მძიმე ჩაქუჩი

🇦🇿 böyük çəkic

🇲🇽 mazo

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,305 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
32302 naturalize
32303 supplicant
32304 absinthe
32305 sledgehammer
32306 drunkenly
32307 flatus
32308 actualizing
...