slasher

American  

[slash-er] / ˈslæʃ ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that slashes. slash.

2. a person who criminally attacks others with a knife, razor, or the like.

3. a horror film depicting such a criminal and featuring gory special effects.

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slasher British  

/ ˈslæʃə /

noun

1. a person or thing that slashes

2. a wooden-handled cutting tool or tractor-drawn machine used for cutting scrub or undergrowth in the bush

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Etymology

Origin of slasher

First recorded in 1550–60; slash ¹ + -er ¹

Example Sentences

“We’re asking people to empathize with a monster, with something that was the slasher in a slasher movie to some degree, decades ago.”

From Los Angeles Times

“That opened up a whole new world for me, and soon I was obsessed with horror films, especially slashers like ‘Scream’ and ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street.’

From Los Angeles Times

But a hit it was and so, for a sequel, supernatural elements must be spun out and ’80s slasher classics consulted, especially since it’s now four years later, in 1982.

From Los Angeles Times

We love the dog more in five minutes than we do some slasher final girls who’ve survived several sequels.

From Los Angeles Times

Beyond modeling and maintaining an online following, the Princess Gollum ethos has acted as a vehicle for her “slasher” lifestyle, meaning she has her hands in many creative pots.

From Los Angeles Times