Poleaxe
noun
A kind of weapon that looks like a long handle with a sharp blade or hammer head at the end, used by soldiers in the past.
The knight carried a poleaxe as his weapon of choice on the battlefield.
Often appears as...
- carry a poleaxe
- swing a poleaxe
verb
To hit, kill, or knock down someone or something suddenly and powerfully.
He poleaxed his opponent with a single punch.
Often appears as...
- poleaxed by a punch
- poleaxed by the news
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
noun
A kind of weapon that looks like a long handle with a sharp blade or hammer head at the end, used by soldiers in the past.
The knight carried a poleaxe as his weapon of choice on the battlefield.
Often appears as...
- carry a poleaxe
- swing a poleaxe
verb
To hit, kill, or knock down someone or something suddenly and powerfully.
He poleaxed his opponent with a single punch.
Often appears as...
- poleaxed by a punch
- poleaxed by the news
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Archaic Usage
The term poleaxe is outdated and rarely used in modern descriptions of weapons.
In medieval times, the poleaxe was a formidable weapon.
Pro Tip 2/3Historical Context
Poleaxe is associated with medieval combat and might come up in history or fantasy genres.
In the historical novel, the knights fought with poleaxes.
Pro Tip 3/3Visual Imagery
A poleaxe combines features of an axe and a spear, imagine it to understand historical battles better.
The museum displayed a poleaxe, exemplifying medieval arms.
Pro Tip 1/3Archaic Usage
The term poleaxe is outdated and rarely used in modern descriptions of weapons.
In medieval times, the poleaxe was a formidable weapon.
Pro Tip 2/3Historical Context
Poleaxe is associated with medieval combat and might come up in history or fantasy genres.
In the historical novel, the knights fought with poleaxes.
Pro Tip 3/3Visual Imagery
A poleaxe combines features of an axe and a spear, imagine it to understand historical battles better.
The museum displayed a poleaxe, exemplifying medieval arms.
Pro Tip 1/3Archaic Usage
The term poleaxe is outdated and rarely used in modern descriptions of weapons.
In medieval times, the poleaxe was a formidable weapon.
Pro Tip 2/3Historical Context
Poleaxe is associated with medieval combat and might come up in history or fantasy genres.
In the historical novel, the knights fought with poleaxes.
Pro Tip 3/3Visual Imagery
A poleaxe combines features of an axe and a spear, imagine it to understand historical battles better.
The museum displayed a poleaxe, exemplifying medieval arms.
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