ax

or axe

[ aks ]

See synonyms for ax on Thesaurus.com

noun,plural ax·es

[ak-siz]. /ˈæk sɪz/.

an instrument with a bladed head on a handle or helve, used for hewing, cleaving, chopping, etc.
Jazz Slang. any musical instrument.

the ax, Informal.
- dismissal from employment: to get the ax.
- expulsion from school.
- rejection by a lover, friend, etc.: His girlfriend gave him the ax.
- any usually summary removal or curtailment.

verb (used with object),axed, ax·ing.

to shape or trim with an ax.
to chop, split, destroy, break open, etc., with an ax: The firemen had to ax the door to reach the fire.

Informal. to dismiss, restrict, or destroy brutally, as if with an ax: The main office axed those in the field who didn't meet their quota. Congress axed the budget.

Idioms about ax

have an ax to grind, to have a personal or selfish motive: His interest may be sincere, but I suspect he has an ax to grind.

Origin of ax

before 1000; Middle English; ax(e), ex(e), Old English æx, æces; akin to Gothic aquizi,Old Norse øx, ǫx,Old High German acc(h)us, a(c)kus (German Axt), Middle High German plural exa<Germanic *akwiz-, akuz-, aksi- ≪ *ákəs, áks-;Latin ascia (<*acsiā), Greek axī́nē;<Indo-European *ag-s-

Other words from ax

axlike, adjective

Other definitions for ax- (2 of 3)

ax-

variant of axi-, especially before a vowel.

Other definitions for ax. (3 of 3)

ax.

abbreviation

axiom.

How to use ax in a sentence

So I hope that every girl who got told off for being angry, and who, like me, in their secret heart of hearts, just kind of pretends that she has a huge broadsword or ax and hits people, it’s for them.
How Gideon the Ninth author Tamsyn Muir queers the space opera | Constance Grady | February 5, 2021 | Vox
Your other co-planner, with an ax to grind, wants to leave off Avery or Brad or both of them.
Computer Search Settles 90-Year-Old Math Problem | Kevin Hartnett | August 19, 2020 | Quanta Magazine
The axing has inspired countless articles on appropriate dismissal methods.
How to Get Fired in Spectacular Fashion | Nina Strochlic | August 22, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
Smith has said she got the impression that her axing came from the suits upstairs, not from show creator Shonda Rhimes.
What to Watch on TV This Week | Nicole Ankowski | November 9, 2008 | THE DAILY BEAST
I'd a deal sooner be flogged mysel'; but yo're not a common wench, axing yo'r pardon, nor yet have yo' common ways about yo'.
North and South | Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell

If the Squire had had such a nose as that, I don't think it's pardin he'd ha' been axing.
Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Vol. II, No. X., March 1851 | Various
If the Squire had had such a nose as that, I don't think it's pardin he'd been ha' axing.
The International Monthly, Volume 2, No. 4, March, 1851 | Various
You're axing me to come out at a very busy moment, Muster Fenwick.
The Vicar of Bullhampton | Anthony Trollope
There's a jintleman in the drawing-room as is axing afther masther.
The Kellys and the O'Kellys | Anthony Trollope

Other Idioms and Phrases with ax

In addition to the idiom beginning with ax

ax to grind

also see:

get the ax

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