hatchet

[ hach-it ]

noun

1. a small, short-handled ax having the end of the head opposite the blade in the form of a hammer, made to be used with one hand.
2. a tomahawk.
3. hatchetfish.

verb (used with object)

1. to cut, destroy, kill, etc., with a hatchet.
2. to abridge, delete, excise, etc.:

   The network censor may hatchet 30 minutes from the script.

hatchet

/ ˈhætʃɪt /

noun

1. a short axe used for chopping wood, etc
2. a tomahawk
3. modifier of narrow dimensions and sharp features

   a hatchet face

4. bury the hatchet
   to cease hostilities and become reconciled

Derived Forms

• ˈhatchet-ˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• hatchet·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hatchet¹

1300–50; 1670–80, Americanism hatchet fordef 6; Middle English hachet < Middle French hachette, diminutive ( -et ) of hache ax < Frankish *hapja kind of knife; akin to Greek kóptein to cut ( comma, syncope )

Word History and Origins

Origin of hatchet¹

C14: from Old French hachette, from hache axe, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German happa knife

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. bury the hatchet, to become reconciled or reunited; make peace.
2. take up the hatchet, to begin or resume hostilities; prepare for or go to war:

   The natives are taking up the hatchet against the enemy.

More idioms and phrases containing hatchet

• bury the hatchet

Example Sentences

Why else would a savvy mogul like Bezos hire a person against whom UK police have now launched a preliminary investigation, except to serve as hatchet man at the Post newsroom when unpleasant decisions have to be taken?

From Salon

Trump also claimed the film was "fake" and a "hatchet job" released right before the 5 November vote "to try and hurt" his campaign.

From BBC

It took Dole years to live down his image as a political hatchet man.

From Los Angeles Times

By 2015, it appeared as though the two had buried the hatchet, and in an ironic twist, she presented her “friend” West with the Video Vanguard Award at the VMAs.

From Los Angeles Times

After burying the hatchet, the Gallaghers are touring for the first time together in years.

From Salon

Related Words

• machete