Slash

Definition

Slash commonly refers to a swift cut or stroke with a sharp-edged object, specifically a knife or blade. It can also refer to a forward slash symbol ("/") used in writing and computing.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /slæʃ/
• Respelling: SLASH (with "SLASH" rhyming with "cash" and "dash")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /slæʃ/
• Respelling: SLASH (similar to American English, with "SLASH" rhyming with "cash" and "dash")

In both dialects, "slash" is pronounced with a short "a" sound, as in "cash" or "dash." The pronunciation of "slash" is consistent between American and British English, clearly reflecting the word's straightforward phonetic structure.

Etymology

The word "slash" traces back to the Middle French word "esclachier" which means to break. Its English usage began around the late 14th century to refer to a cutting stroke with a weapon.

Derivatives

• Slasher
• Slashing
• Slashed
• Slashable
• Slasher-film

Synonyms

• Cut
• Gash
• Slice

Antonyms

• Mend
• Heal
• Suture

Usage

"Slash" is often used in various contexts to describe a cutting motion or action, a reduction or a symbol representing a division or separation. It's used both literally to refer to a physical cut or metaphorically to denote a reduction or division. The word is also associated with a genre of horror films known for violent or cutting imagery called slasher films.

Related Terms

• Slasher
• Slasher-film
• Backslash

Detailed Definition

Verb

• Cutting Action: To cut or make a long, deep cut in something, especially in a violent or random manner.
• Example: He slashed the paper into pieces with a sharp knife.

• Reduction: To greatly reduce something, such as prices or budgets.
• Example: The company slashed its prices for the big sale.

Noun

• Cut or Gash: A cut or gash, especially a long one.
• Example: The doctor stitched up the slash on his arm.

• Symbol: A forward slash symbol ("/") used in writing, computing, and in some numeral representations.
• Example: Use a slash to separate the day, month, and year when writing the date.