shaft
/ʃæft/
noun
- A long, narrow, straight part of an object, such as a tool, weapon, or machine.
- The mechanic replaced the drive shaft in the car.
- The shaft of the golf club needs to be strong but flexible.
- The arrow's shaft was made of lightweight carbon fiber.
- A long, narrow passage, especially one that goes vertically underground or inside a building.
- The miners descended into the dark elevator shaft.
- An air shaft provides ventilation to the basement rooms.
- They installed a new elevator shaft in the old building.
- A beam or ray of light.
- She walked into a shaft of golden light in the forest.
- A shaft of sunlight broke through the clouds.
- The only light came from a narrow shaft coming through the window.
- A long, straight handle of a tool or weapon.
- He gripped the shaft of the hammer tightly.
- The shaft of the rake broke after years of use.
- The spear's shaft was carved from ash wood.
verb
- To treat someone unfairly or cheat them.
- Don't let the company shaft you — read the contract carefully.
- The customers felt they got shafted by the hidden fees.
- He was shafted out of his share of the profits.
Synonyms