an instrument with a bladed head on a handle or helve, used for hewing, cleaving, chopping, etc.

Jazz Slang . any musical instrument.

the ax, Informal .

dismissal from employment

to get the ax.

expulsion from school.

rejection by a lover, friend, etc.

His girlfriend gave him the ax.

any usually summary removal or curtailment.

to shape or trim with an ax.

to chop, split, destroy, break open, etc., with an ax

The firemen had to ax the door to reach the fire.

Informal . to dismiss, restrict, or destroy brutally, as if with an ax

The main office axed those in the field who didn't meet their quota. Congress axed the budget. Also, axe.

have an ax to grind

to have a personal or selfish motive

His interest may be sincere, but I suspect he has an ax to grind.

noun

discharge , termination

verb

cashier , discharge , drop , release , terminate , can , cleaver , dismiss , fire , hatchet , poll , sack , tomahawk , twibill