axe

Pluralaxes

Formsaxes, axing, axed

1. 1
   chopping toolnouncountable

   A tool with a heavy, sharp blade on a long handle, used to chop wood, or as a weapon.

   Like a heavy knife on a long stick for cutting wood.

   He swung the axe and split the log in two.

   An old axe hung on a hook in the shed.

   UsageAmericans may also write ax.

2. 2
   cancelverbfigurativelytransitive

   To cancel something, cut it back a lot, or fire someone, often suddenly and harshly.

   Like cutting something off with one quick chop.

   The company decided to axe hundreds of jobs last year.

   Managers axed the entire project before it launched.

   UsageOften get axed, meaning lose your job suddenly.

   Similarfire, dismiss, sack, terminate, discharge

   Oppositeretain, renew, hire

   Note
3. 3
   dismissalnouncolloquial

   Being fired from a job or dropped, or a big cut to money or a plan, as in get the axe.

   Like being told to leave and not come back.

   After months of poor sales, he finally got the axe.

   Her proposal got the axe at the very first meeting.

   UsageSay get the axe (lose your job) or give someone the axe.

   Similarsack, boot, chop

4. 4
   instrumentnounslangcountable

   A musician's main instrument, especially an electric guitar or a saxophone.

   Like a chef calling their favorite knife their 'blade.'

   The guitarist tuned his axe before walking on stage.

   She brought her axe to every jam session.

   UsagePeople say his axe for his guitar.

   Note

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