shaft
shaft Lexical Profile
shaft Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A long, narrow, typically cylindrical part forming the handle of a tool or club, the body of a spear or arrow, or a central rotating rod in a machine.
"The archaeologist carefully brushed the dirt from the wooden shaft of the ancient spear."
A long, narrow, vertical or inclined passage sunk into the earth or passing through a building.
"The engineers inspected the elevator shaft for structural damage before allowing the building to reopen."
A distinct ray of light or a sudden, intense flash of illumination.
"A brilliant shaft of sunlight pierced through the thick canopy of the rainforest."
• verb
To treat someone harshly, unfairly, or deceitfully (informal).
"The union workers felt they had been completely shafted by the company's abrupt changes to the pension plan."
To fit or equip something (such as a tool or weapon) with a long handle or pole.
"The master blacksmith expertly forged and shafted the newly designed halberds for the royal guard."
• Rhymes for shaft
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'sceaft', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'schacht' and German 'Schaft', from a Proto-Germanic base meaning 'shaved' or 'scraped' (referring to a branch stripped of bark to make a spear).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.