axing
|æks-ɪŋ|
/ˈæksɪŋ/
(ax)
tool for chopping; to cut off/cancel
Etymology
'ax' (also spelled 'axe') originates from Old English, specifically the word 'æx', where 'æx' meant 'axe' (the chopping tool).
'ax' changed from Old English 'æx' into Middle English forms such as 'axe', and eventually into the modern English spellings 'axe' (UK) and 'ax' (US).
Initially, it meant 'a tool for chopping'; over time the verb form developed the extended metaphorical sense 'to cut off or dismiss' (e.g., to cancel a program or fire an employee).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an act of axing; a cancellation, termination, or dismissal (e.g., the axing of a program or staff cuts).
The axing of the show disappointed many fans.
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Verb 1
present participle form of 'ax' — performing the action of cutting, chopping, cancelling, or dismissing (metaphorical use: to terminate a job, program, or service).
The company is axing several underperforming projects this quarter.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2025/12/05 20:56