Word: Hammer

Pronunciation

/ˈhæmər/

Definitions

• Noun: A tool with a heavy head fixed on a handle, used for striking blows, especially for driving nails, breaking things apart, or forging metal. Example: “He picked up a hammer to fix the broken shelf.”
• Verb: (transitive) To hit or strike with a hammer, often to drive something such as a nail or to shape or break an object. Example: “She hammered the nail into the wall.”
• Verb: (figurative) To criticize or attack forcefully and repeatedly. Example: “The senator hammered his opponent on her voting record during the debate.”

Phrases

• “To have a hammer in one’s hand” implies having power or authority over something.
• “Hammer and tongs” refers to working vigorously or engaging in heated argument.
• “Hammer out” means to negotiate or work out a solution through intense discussion or effort.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “Using a small hammer, he carefully adjusted the components of the clock.”
• Verb: “They spent the day hammering away at the old concrete to make space for new foundations.”
• Verb (figurative): “The journalist hammered home the point about the need for political transparency.”

Synonyms

• Mallet
• Sledgehammer (for a heavier type)
• Tool (in the context of noun)
• Pound (in the context of verb)
• Criticize harshly (in the figurative sense)
• Lambaste (in the figurative sense)