poleax

/ˈpoʊlæks/
noun
  1. A type of axe with a long handle, used historically as a weapon or tool.
    • A poleax has a heavy blade on one side and a spike on the other.
    • The museum displayed a medieval poleax used by knights.
    • He studied how the poleax was wielded in battle.
Synonyms
verb
  1. To strike or knock down with a poleax or a similar blow.
    • The news of the accident poleaxed the entire family.
    • The boxer was poleaxed by a powerful punch to the jaw.
    • The warrior poleaxed his opponent in one swift motion.
  2. To shock or overwhelm someone completely.
    • The team was poleaxed when their star player got injured.
    • She was poleaxed by the unexpected bill for the repairs.
    • The sudden announcement poleaxed the audience into silence.
Synonyms