hammer
hammer Lexical Profile
hammer Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A hand tool consisting of a solid head set crosswise on a handle, used for pounding, driving nails, or shaping materials.
"She used a heavy hammer to drive the iron nails into the wooden beam."
The part of a firearm mechanism that strikes the firing pin or percussion cap to discharge the weapon.
"The detective noticed that the hammer of the revolver was pulled back, ready to fire."
A small bone in the middle ear that transmits sound vibrations from the eardrum to the anvil; the malleus.
"The hammer, anvil, and stirrup are the three tiny bones responsible for conducting sound in the human ear."
• verb
To strike or hit heavily and repeatedly, as if with a hammer.
"The blacksmith continued to hammer the glowing steel until it formed a perfect blade."
To defeat overwhelmingly in a contest, competition, or battle.
"The home team managed to hammer their rivals in the championship game, securing a historic victory."
To force a concept or idea into someone's mind through relentless repetition.
"The instructor tried to hammer the safety protocols into the minds of the new recruits."
• Rhymes for hammer
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'hamor', deriving from Proto-Germanic '*hamaraz', originally referring to a tool with a stone head, related to Old Norse 'hamarr' meaning 'stone' or 'crag'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.