a medieval weapon consisting of an axe blade and a spike mounted on a long shaft, a tool with a spike and axe blade used for slaughtering animals

poleaxe blow, poleaxe a bull, poleaxe a plan

Formal and Informal Expressions of poleaxe

In different contexts, you can replace 'poleaxe' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'halberd, battle-axe' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'slaughterer' is a commonplace synonym.

poleaxe: Explore its Definition & Usage

poleaxe Definition

1a medieval weapon consisting of an axe blade and a spike mounted on a long shaft
2a tool with a spike and axe blade used for slaughtering animals

Using poleaxe: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "poleaxe" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The knight wielded his poleaxe with great skill in battle.
Example
The butcher used a poleaxe to slaughter the cow humanely.

poleaxe Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for poleaxe

halberd
battle-axe
slaughterer

Phrases with poleaxe

poleaxe blow
a powerful and decisive blow that knocks someone out or incapacitates them
Example
The boxer delivered a poleaxe blow to his opponent, knocking him out cold.
poleaxe a bull
to slaughter a bull using a poleaxe
Example
The farmer had to poleaxe the bull after it broke its leg.
poleaxe a plan
to destroy or ruin a plan or idea
Example
The sudden change in market conditions poleaxed their business plan.

Origins of poleaxe

from Old French 'polax', from Medieval Latin 'pollis-ax', meaning 'axe with a head' or 'axe with a point'

📌

Summary: poleaxe in Brief

'Poleaxe' [ˈpəʊlæks] is a noun that refers to a medieval weapon consisting of an axe blade and a spike mounted on a long shaft, or a tool with a spike and axe blade used for slaughtering animals. It is synonymous with 'halberd' and 'battle-axe,' and can be used in phrases like 'poleaxe blow' or 'poleaxe a bull.'