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Switchblade: meaning, definitions and examples

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switchblade

 

[ ˈswɪtʃbleɪd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

type of knife

A switchblade is a type of knife with a blade that is spring-loaded and opens automatically by pressing a button or lever. This design allows for quick deployment of the blade, making it a popular choice in various scenarios, including self-defense. However, due to its potential for misuse, it's restricted or illegal in several jurisdictions. Switchblades have become associated with rebellion and delinquency in popular culture, often featured in movies and music. Some enthusiasts collect them for their engineering and aesthetic qualities.

Synonyms

automatic knife, flick knife, spring-loaded knife

Examples of usage

  • He pulled out his switchblade in self-defense.
  • The switchblade flicked open with a swift motion.
  • Authorities confiscated several switchblades during the raid.

Translations

Translations of the word "switchblade" in other languages:

🇵🇹 faca automátic

🇮🇳 स्विचब्लेड

🇩🇪 Springmesser

🇮🇩 pisau lipat otomatis

🇺🇦 складний ніж

🇵🇱 nóż sprężynowy

🇯🇵 スイッチブレード

🇫🇷 couteau à cran d'arrêt

🇪🇸 navaja automática

🇹🇷 otomatik bıçak

🇰🇷 스위치블레이드

🇸🇦 سكين قابلة للطي

🇨🇿 nůž s automatickým otevíráním

🇸🇰 nôž s automatickým otváraním

🇨🇳 开刃刀

🇸🇮 zložljiv nož

🇮🇸 sveifluhnífur

🇰🇿 құралды пышақ

🇬🇪 სვიჩბლეიდი

🇦🇿 sürüşkən bıçaq

🇲🇽 navaja automática

Etymology

The term 'switchblade' comes from the combination of 'switch', meaning a device that turns something on or off, and 'blade', referring to the cutting part of the knife. The earliest examples of folding knives that automatically opened can be traced back to the 19th century in Europe. However, the more widespread popularity of the switchblade knife in the United States began in the 20th century, often linked to the rise of urban youth culture, crime, and gang violence during the 1950s and 1960s. This led to a significant public backlash and calls for regulation. As a result, various laws were enacted to control the sale and possession of switchblades, reflecting societal concerns over their use. Despite these restrictions, switchblades have maintained a presence in popular culture as symbols of rebellion and a certain lifestyle, continuing to draw interest from collectors and enthusiasts.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,744, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.