slash

Definition

A slashing action or motion:

Etymology

Late Middle English, originally a verb of uncertain etymology. Perhaps of imitative origin, or possibly from Old French esclachier (“to break in pieces”), a variant of esclater, which is likely a Germanic borrowing, from Frankish *slaitan (“to slit, tear”). Used in the Wycliffe Bible as slascht (see 1 Kings 5:18) but otherwise unattested until 16th century. Conjunctive use from various applications of the punctuation mark ⟨/⟩. See also slash fiction.

Example Sentences

• "A slash of his blade just missed my ear."
• "He took a wild slash at the ball but the captain saved the team's skin by hacking it clear and setting up the team for a strike on the goal."
• "After the war ended, the army saw a 50% slash in their operating budget."

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