ax

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A tool with a heavy metal blade on a handle, used for cutting wood.

   He swung the ax and split the log in two.

2. 2
   verb

   To cut or split something with an ax.

   I axed wood for the stove all morning.

3. 3
   verb

   To suddenly end or remove something, such as a job or project.

   The company axed hundreds of jobs to cut costs.

From Middle English axen, aksen, axien, from Old English ācsian and āxian, showing metathesis from āscian. Ax/aks was common in literary works until about 1600.

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