Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small axe with a short handle: A hand tool used for chopping or cutting, typically featuring a metal head with a sharp blade on one side and a hammerhead or pick on the other, designed to be used with one hand.
   • A weapon: Historically, a light axe used as a weapon, notably by some Indigenous peoples of North America.

Usage and Examples

• Noun (Tool):
  • He used a hatchet to split the kindling for the fire.
  • A survival kit often includes a hatchet for building shelter.
• Noun (Weapon/Historical):
  • The museum displayed a ceremonial hatchet from the 18th century.

Advanced Usage and Idioms

• To bury the hatchet: To make peace; to end a quarrel or conflict.
  • After years of disagreement, the two families decided to bury the hatchet.
• To dig/take up the hatchet: To start or resume a conflict or fight.
  • The tribe was forced to take up the hatchet to defend their land.
• Hatchet job: A fierce verbal attack or a piece of criticism that is unfairly destructive.
  • The critic's review was a real hatchet job on the author's new novel.
• Hatchet man:
  • A person hired to carry out unpleasant tasks, such as dismissing employees.

    • The new manager was seen as the company's hatchet man.
  • A person who attacks the reputation of others, often on behalf of someone else.

    • The politician used a hatchet man to spread rumors about his opponent.

Variants and Related Words

• Hatchet-faced (adjective): Having a face with sharp, narrow, and harsh features.
  • The villain in the story was described as a thin, hatchet-faced man.
• Hatchet throw: The sport or act of throwing a hatchet at a target.

Synonyms

• Tomahawk: (Specifically for the weapon used by Indigenous peoples of North America).
• Hand axe: (For the tool).
• Cleaver: (A tool for chopping, though typically used in a kitchen context).

Notes on Different Meanings

• The primary modern meaning refers to a tool for chopping.
• The meaning as a weapon is largely historical or cultural.
• Most contemporary uses of the word are in idiomatic expressions (e.g., , ), which are metaphorical and do not refer to the physical object.

Noun

1. a small ax with a short handle used with one hand (usually to chop wood)
2. weapon consisting of a fighting ax; used by North American Indians