hatchet

American  

[hach-it] / ˈhætʃ ɪt /

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.

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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.

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.

hatchet British  

/ 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. to cease hostilities and become reconciled

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hatchet More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing hatchet

• bury the hatchet

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Other Word Forms

• hatchet-like adjective
• hatchetlike adjective

Etymology

Origin of hatchet

1300–50; 1670–80, hatchet for def. 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 )

Example Sentences

Legendary rivals Ozzy Lusth and Benjamin “Coach” Wade appeared to bury the hatchet, only for their conflict to reignite soon after.

From Los Angeles Times

Another man had appeared with what looked like roughly woven blankets, while yet another produced a box of hatchets.

From Literature

The documentary closes on a similar note: Take That are national treasures, their reputation is secure, their hatchets are buried.

From BBC

Owen winced as shotgun shells and a hatchet and his mobile phone tumbled out onto the snow.

From Literature

The government took a hatchet to its payrolls.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• machete