karate-chop

[ kuh-rah-tee-chop ]

noun

1. a sharp blow used in karate, usually delivered by a slanting stroke with the side of the hand.

verb (used with object)

, ka·ra·te-chopped, ka·ra·te-chop·ping.

1. to strike with a karate-chop.

Word History and Origins

Origin of karate-chop¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

This is, of course, ludicrous, as Miss Piggy would simply karate-chop the therapist.

From Slate

Above all, we have to get away from the simple soundbites, the karate-chop syntax of the daily news, as well as the data avalanche, where no one can find the meaning any more.

From The Guardian

His favorite: Thomas’ karate-chop of Rams running Benny Cunningham at the goal line in the final regular-season game of 2014, forcing a touchback and helping the Seahawks secure a division title and home-field advantage for a second straight playoff push to the Super Bowl.

From Seattle Times

Anything that frees your brain from the karate-chop syntax of newsfeed and social media is in part a meditative act.

From New York Times

Hendricks and Pekkanen have a real knack for plot-spinning, and “The Wife Between Us” unfolds in breathlessly ominous chapters, occasionally pausing for a narrative karate-chop.

From Seattle Times