DictionarysackJob dismissal
noun / verb

sack

Dismissal from a job.

The manager sacks employees who repeatedly ignore important safety rules.

Etymology

Dismissal is expressed as getting the sack. The phrase is traditionally connected with a worker receiving a bag of tools on departure, though its exact origin is uncertain.

More examples

  • He gets the sack after missing three shifts.
  • The company sacked its director over the missing funds.
  • She worries that another mistake will get her sacked.

Forms

sack · sacks · sacked · sacking

Similar words

fire
The more usual American term for ending someone's employment.
dismiss
More formal; often used in official statements about employment.