axe
B1Formal for the tool; informal/figurative for the verb meaning (dismiss/cut).
Definition
Meaning
A tool with a heavy blade on a long handle, used for chopping wood.
1. (verb) To dismiss, terminate, or cut drastically. 2. (music) A slang term for an electric guitar. 3. A tool or instrument used for a specific purpose (e.g., 'budget axe').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In British English, 'axe' is the standard spelling for all meanings. In American English, 'ax' is a common variant, but 'axe' is also correct, especially in names or figurative use. The verb meaning (to cut/dismiss) is more common in journalistic and business contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
BrE strongly prefers 'axe'. AmE accepts both 'ax' and 'axe' as correct spellings, with 'ax' being slightly more common in print for the tool.
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
The figurative verb sense ('to axe a project') is equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] axe [NP] (e.g., He axed the tree.)[NP] axe [NP] from [NP] (e.g., They axed him from the team.)[NP] get the axe (idiomatic)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “have an axe to grind (have a private motive)”
- “get the axe (be dismissed or terminated)”
- “the axe falls (dismissals are announced)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'The CEO axed 200 jobs to cut costs.' Common in headlines for cuts/dismissals.
Academic
Mainly historical/archaeological contexts: 'A Neolithic flint axe was discovered.'
Everyday
'I need an axe to chop firewood for the fireplace.'
Technical
In forestry or firefighting: 'A Pulaski axe combines an axe blade with a hoe.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The council plans to axe funding for the youth centre.
- The manager was controversially axed after the match.
American English
- The network decided to ax the show due to low ratings.
- They had to axe several departments during the restructuring.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This axe is very sharp.
- He cut the wood with an axe.
- The firefighter used an axe to break down the door.
- The company had to axe its plans for expansion.
- Despite his seemingly altruistic proposal, many suspected he had an axe to grind.
- The new budget means several public services will get the axe.
- The minister swung the rhetorical axe at her opponents, accusing them of fiscal irresponsibility.
- Archaeologists posit that the ceremonial axe found at the site had a votive rather than a utilitarian function.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
AXE sounds like 'acks' – think of the sound it makes when it 'acks' (hacks) into wood.
Conceptual Metaphor
TERMINATION/REMOVAL IS CHOPPING (e.g., axe jobs, axe a programme).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'axis' (ось). 'Axe' is топор.
- The idiom 'have an axe to grind' does not mean 'to have an argument'; it means иметь скрытый мотив/личный интерес.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'axe' as a direct synonym for 'fire' in all contexts (it implies sudden, decisive termination).
- Confusing spelling variants (ax/axe) in formal writing where consistency is required.
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'get the axe' most commonly mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct. 'Axe' is standard in British English and common worldwide. 'Ax' is a common variant in American English, though 'axe' is also widely used, especially figuratively.
Yes, it is commonly used as a verb meaning to dismiss someone or terminate something abruptly and decisively (e.g., 'axe jobs', 'axe a TV series').
A hatchet is a small, light axe with a short handle, designed for use with one hand. An axe is typically larger and requires two hands.
It is an idiom meaning to have a strong personal opinion or selfish motive that you want to promote or discuss, often in a way that is not obvious to others.