rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryhackRough cutting
noun / verb

hack

A rough cut made with a forceful blow.

She hacks through the thick branch with a small ax.

Etymology
hackOld Englishhack; cut

The inherited verb means to cut with blows. This sense preserves that forceful action, and the noun names the rough cut produced by it.

More examples

  • The ax leaves a jagged hack in the log.
  • We hacked away the roots blocking the trail.
  • He hacks the squash into rough chunks with a cleaver.

Forms

hack · hacks · hacked · hacking

Similar words

chop
Chop emphasizes cutting with blows, not necessarily leaving rough cuts.
hew
Hew usually means shaping wood or stone with heavy tools.
slash
Slash emphasizes a sweeping cut rather than repeated chopping blows.