Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Severely critical or harsh: Describes criticism, attacks, or remarks that are extremely sharp, intense, and damaging.
   • Violent and forceful, as if cutting: Describes actions, movements, or impacts that are swift, powerful, and reminiscent of a cutting blow.
   • (Informal, chiefly North American) Exceptionally large or impressive: Describes something, like a success or amount, that is outstandingly great.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The journalist faced slashing criticism for her controversial article.
  • The slashing rain made it impossible to see the road.
  • The company celebrated a slashing victory in the market.

Advanced Usage

• "a slashing attack": a very forceful and damaging verbal or written assault.
  • The editorial launched a slashing attack on the government's new policy.
• "slashing style": a manner of writing or performing that is vigorous, forceful, and dramatic.
  • The pianist was known for her slashing style and technical brilliance.

Variants and Related Words

• Slash (verb): To cut with a violent sweeping stroke; to reduce drastically.
  • He slashed through the dense undergrowth.
  • The budget was slashed by 50%.
• Slash (noun): A long, deep cut; an oblique stroke (/) used in writing.
  • There was a deep slash on the tree trunk.
  • Use a slash to separate alternatives (and/or).

Synonyms

• Scathing: Bitterly severe (for criticism).
• Lacerating: Deeply hurtful or cutting.
• Drastic: Extreme in effect; severe.
• Tremendous: Extraordinarily great in size, amount, or intensity.

Related Phrases

• Slashing blow: A powerful, cutting strike.
  • The knight delivered a slashing blow with his sword.
• Slashing prices: Reducing prices drastically.
  • The store is slashing prices for the end-of-season sale.

Adjective

1. as if striking with slashing blows
   • his slashing demon-ridden cadenza