poleaxe meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

poleaxe

noun

US /ˈpoʊlˌæks/

Etymology From earlier pollax, from poll (“head”) + axe, with the spelling influenced by pole.

An ax having both a blade and a hammer face; used to slaughter cattle.

Historical A long-handled battle axe, being a combination of ax, hammer and pike.

verb

Etymology From earlier pollax, from poll (“head”) + axe, with the spelling influenced by pole.

To fell someone with, or as if with, a poleaxe.

Figuratively To astonish; to shock or surprise utterly.

Lisa Griffin, who runs Brew Rock and an Irish pub in nearby Benidorm, was as poleaxed by the announcement as her customers were.2020 July 26, Sam Jones, “'Everyone is panicking': UK quarantine decision shocks Britons in Spain”, in The Guardian:

Figuratively To stymie, thwart, cripple, paralyze.

After a lacklustre campaign that has failed to grapple with Germany’s looming problems, the world should expect post-election coalition talks to last for months, poleaxing European politics while they drag on.2021 September 25, Zanny Minton Beddoes, “The Mess Merkel leaves behind”, in The Economist: