/
|slash|
/slæʃ/
(slash)
cut or reduce
Etymology
'slash' originates from Old Norse, specifically the word 'slá', where it meant 'to strike'.
'slash' passed into Middle English with forms related to 'slá' and developed into the modern English 'slash' meaning both a cutting action and the mark '/'.
Initially, it meant 'to strike' (a violent blow); over time it came to mean 'to cut with a sweeping motion' and later also the written mark '/' and figurative reductions ('to slash budgets').
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the punctuation mark "/" used to separate items, represent alternatives (e.g. and/or), or in paths and URLs (called 'slash' or 'forward slash').
Use / between folder names in the file path.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a long, deep cut made by a sharp object (a slash or gash).
The coat had a long slash across the back.
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Noun 3
a large reduction, especially in budgets or prices (a figurative 'slash').
There were big slashes in the department's budget this year.
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Antonyms
Verb 1
to cut or try to cut something with a quick sweeping motion of a sharp object.
He lashed out and slashed the rope with a knife.
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Verb 2
to reduce drastically (e.g. prices, budgets); to make deep cuts in something.
The store slashed prices to clear out old stock.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2025/09/29 13:32