Definition

Verb (transitive, informal) 1. To end a personal relationship abruptly and decisively: To break up with someone, often suddenly and without negotiation. 2. To dismiss someone from employment; to fire: To terminate a person's job, usually abruptly.

Usage and Examples

• Meaning 1 (End a relationship):
  • She finally gave him the axe after years of unhappiness.
  • I heard he got the axe from his girlfriend last week. (Passive form: "to get the axe")
• Meaning 2 (Terminate employment):
  • The new manager gave the axe to half the department.
  • Due to budget cuts, several long-time employees were given the axe.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• The phrase is informal and idiomatic. It conveys a sense of finality and often abruptness.
• The object of the action (the person being fired or dumped) can be placed between "give" and "the axe" (e.g., ) or after the phrase (e.g., ).
• The passive voice is very common, especially in news or business contexts for the employment meaning (e.g., ).

Variants and Related Words

• Get the axe (verb phrase): To be the one who is fired or dumped.
  • He got the axe from his job and his relationship in the same month.
• The axe (noun): Used metaphorically to mean dismissal or cancellation.
  • Several underperforming projects are facing the axe.

Synonyms

• For ending a relationship: Dump, break up with, jilt.
• For terminating employment: Fire, dismiss, sack, let go, terminate, lay off.

Related Idioms

• To have an axe to grind: To have a private reason for being involved in something or for arguing a particular point. (Note: This idiom is related only by the word "axe" and has a completely different meaning from "give the axe".)
  • He criticizes the policy, but I think he has an axe to grind because he didn't get the promotion.

Verb

1. terminate a relationship abruptly
   • Mary gave John the axe after she saw him with another woman
2. terminate the employment of; discharge from an office or position
   • The boss fired his secretary today
   • The company terminated 25% of its workers