Definition & Meaning of "slash"

to slash

VERB

to violently cut with a quick move using a knife, etc.

Transitive: to slash sb/sth | to slash at a target

Example

The assailant slashed at the victim with a sharp knife, leaving deep wounds on their arm.

He narrowly avoided being slashed by the attacker's blade by ducking behind a nearby counter.

She screamed for help as the mugger slashed at her purse with a switchblade, attempting to steal her belongings.

to create deliberate cuts or openings in fabric for decorative or functional purposes

Transitive: to slash fabric or a garment

Example

The designer slashed the sleeves of the dress to add a modern, edgy look.

She carefully slashed the jeans at the knees to give them a distressed appearance.

In traditional Japanese fashion, kimono sleeves are often slashed to enhance movement.

to whip or strike violently with forceful, sweeping movements

Transitive: to slash sb/sth

Example

In a fit of rage, he slashed the air with his fists, venting his frustration.

The attacker suddenly appeared and slashed the unsuspecting victim across the face.

The boxer slashed his opponent with a series of rapid punches, aiming for the body and head.

to significantly reduce something, such as a price, quantity, or value

Transitive: to slash a value or quantity

Example

The store slashed the prices of its winter coats by 50 % to clear out inventory.

The company slashed its workforce by half in response to declining profits.

Due to oversupply, the farmer had to slash the price of his tomatoes by 75 %.

to produce a sharp, snapping sound by swiftly moving a whip or similar object through the air

Transitive: to slash a whip or similar object

Example

The cowboy slashed his whip above the herd, causing them to scatter.

With a quick flick of her wrist, she slashed the whip, making a loud cracking noise.

The martial arts instructor demonstrated a powerful kick by slashing his leg through the air.

Slash

NOUN

a wound made by cutting

a strong sweeping cut made with a sharp instrument

the symbol / used in print or writing to indicate alternatives or fractions, etc.

diagonal

solidus

stroke

virgule

oblique

What is a "slash"?

A slash (/) is a punctuation mark used to indicate a choice between two or more options, separate items, or show a relationship between words. It is often used in expressions like "and/or" to suggest that either option may apply. For example, in the phrase "Please bring your pen/pencil," the slash indicates that either item is acceptable. Slashes are also used in dates, such as "12/31/2024," or to separate lines of poetry when quoted in a single line. By providing clarity and brevity, slashes enhance the efficiency of written communication.

Example

The recipe called for 1/2 cup of sugar, with the slash representing a fraction.

an open tract of land in a forest that is strewn with debris from logging (or fire or wind)