rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryhewCut with blows
verb

hew

HYOO/hjuː/

To cut or shape with forceful blows.

The worker hews the log into a beam with heavy axe strokes.

A worker uses heavy axe strokes to shape a log into a beam, clear fresh facets and wood chips, both hands securely grip haft.
Etymology
hewOld Englishto chop, hack, strike

Old English heawan described striking with a cutting weapon or tool. The modern sense preserves that forceful action, whether chopping material apart or shaping it through repeated blows.

In context

Storytime Haven86:57
to hew off the head of the Lord Chancellor.
Sir Nigel ⚔️🌟 | A Tale of Chivalry and Adventure | Arthur Conan Doyle

More examples

  • They hewed the logs into square beams.
  • She uses an ax to hew branches from the fallen tree.
  • The steps were hewn from solid rock.

Forms

hew · hews · hewed · hewn · hewing

hewer noun — Someone who cuts with heavy tool blows.

Similar words

chop
Emphasizes cutting into pieces rather than shaping a surface.
hack
Emphasizes rough, irregular blows rather than careful shaping.
carve
Emphasizes controlled shaping and does not require forceful blows.