Meaning & Definition of Hammer in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: A hand tool with a heavy 'head' and a long handle used for pounding, shaping, or breaking objects.

  Example Sentence: He used a hammer to drive the nails into the wood.

• Definition: To hit something with a heavy object, often to destroy or break it.

  Example Sentence: She hammered the metal until it became flat.

• Definition: A tool in the form of a mechanical device that is used to strike a surface.

  Example Sentence: The jackhammer can break through concrete much faster than a regular hammer.

• Definition: An informal term for a heavy blow or hit.

  Example Sentence: He gave the door a hammer with his shoulder to force it open.

• Definition: To defeat (someone) decisively or thoroughly.

  Example Sentence: Our team hammered the competition in the finals.

Etymology

Origin: Old English 'hamor' meaning 'hammer, mallet; tool for striking'.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• hammer out: To negotiate or work out a solution.
• if I had a hammer: A phrase indicating a desire for power to change circumstances.
• to fall under the hammer: To be sold at auction.

Translations

• Spanish: martillo

• French: marteau

• German: Hammer

• Russian: молоток

Related Words

• mallet: A type of hammer with a large, soft head, used for driving chisels or other tools.

• sledgehammer: A large, heavy hammer used for demolition or driving stakes.

• welder: A person who joins metal parts together using high heat.

• nail: A small metal spike used to fasten things together.

Slang Meanings of hammer

• Meaning: To hit or attack something or someone.

  Example Sentence: He really hammered those weights at the gym.

• Meaning: To drink heavily.

  Example Sentence: We hammered down a few drinks at the bar last night.

• Meaning: To criticize someone harshly.

  Example Sentence: The critics hammered the movie for its poor acting.