sledgehammer

American  

[slej-ham-er] / ˈslɛdʒˌhæm ər /

noun

1. a large heavy hammer wielded with both hands.

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verb (used with or without object)

1. to hammer, beat, or strike with or as if with a sledgehammer.

adjective

1. crudely or ruthlessly forceful; lacking all dexterity or grace.

   the artist's sledgehammer approach.

sledgehammer British  

/ ˈslɛdʒˌhæmə /

noun

1. a large heavy hammer with a long handle used with both hands for heavy work such as forging iron, breaking rocks, etc

2. (modifier) resembling the action of a sledgehammer in power, ruthlessness, etc

   a sledgehammer blow

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verb

1. (tr) to strike (something) with or as if with a sledgehammer

Etymology

Origin of sledgehammer

First recorded in 1485–95; sledge ² + hammer

Example Sentences

Over the years, bad men have come with sledgehammers and broken off pieces of Cleo to sell to relic hunters.

From Literature

Welsh Conservative and chairman of the Senedd's cross party group on shooting and conservation, James Evans, said the proposals were using "a sledgehammer to crack a nut".

From BBC

Soon after the two bought the property, they started their yard project by removing the L-shaped strip of concrete in the backyard with a sledgehammer.

From Los Angeles Times

Rather, the union is hopeful that Bonta will take a sledgehammer to the grip the supervisors have on the agency.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s delivered with such conviction and authenticity. I just thought that they were lyrically brilliant and that they were committed to their music being a sledgehammer for social justice,” Morello says.

From Los Angeles Times