slash
pronunciation
How to pronounce slash in British English:
UK [slæʃ]
How to pronounce slash in American English:
US [slæʃ]
-
- Noun:
- a wound made by cutting
- an open tract of land in a forest that is strewn with debris from logging (or fire or wind)
- a punctuation mark (/) used to separate related items of information
- a strong sweeping cut made with a sharp instrument
-
- Verb:
- cut with sweeping strokes; as with an ax or machete
- beat severely with a whip or rod
- cut open
- cut drastically
- move or stir about violently
Word Origin
- slash (v.)
- 1540s, "to cut with a stroke of a blade or whip;" 1650s, "to strike violently," perhaps from Middle French esclachier "to break," variant of esclater "to break, splinter" (see slat). Meaning "to clear land" (of trees) is from 1821, American English. In reference to prices, it is attested from 1906. Related: Slashed; slashing. Slash-and-burn for a method of clearing forest for cultivation is from 1919.
- slash (n.)
- "a cutting stroke with a weapon," 1570s, from slash (v.); sense of "slit in a garment" is from 1610s; that of "open tract in a forest" is first attested 1825, American English. As a punctuation mark in writing or printing, it is recorded from 1961.
Example
- 1. And firms have been unusually quick to slash payrolls .
- 2. But the government has pledged to slash greenhouse-gas emissions by 80 % by 2050 .
- 3. Renewed weakness north of the border this month has prompted economists to slash their forecasts for mexico as well .
- 4. Why not slash deficits immediately ?
- 5. Firms cannot slash stocks for ever .