axe
Translation
ax, cut, dismissal
Examples
He used an axe to chop the wood.
He used an ax to chop the wood.
The company decided to axe 200 jobs.
The company decided to axe 200 jobs.
Grammar Patterns
((an)) ax a tool for chopping He used an ax to chop the wood.
((to)) axe ((sth.)) to cut or cancel sth. The company decided to axe 200 jobs.
Similar Words
Noun: hatchet; Verb: cut, fire, cancel
Etymology
From Old English 'æcs'. The spelling 'ax' is more common in the US.
Memory Tips
Picture using an ax to chop something. This 'cutting' action applies to both wood and, metaphorically, to jobs or budgets.