1 B2 neutral
To cut a tree or large object down using an axe or similar tool with powerful blows.
"The woodsmen hewed down the ancient oak to clear space for the new road."
separable
hew down
B2 neutral separable transitive
To cut something down with forceful blows, typically using an axe or similar tool.
In plain English
To chop something down by hitting it hard many times.
What does "hew down" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic formal
To kill or defeat enemies in battle with sweeping, powerful blows (literary/figurative).
"In the old legend, the hero hewed down his enemies until none remained standing."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To cut downward with a hewing (chopping) motion until something falls.
Actually means
To chop something down by hitting it hard many times.
Usage tip
Literary and somewhat formal in modern English. Common in historical, biblical, and epic contexts. Can also be used figuratively for destroying an enemy or obstacle.
Words that pair with "hew down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
tree timber enemy forest statue pillars
How to conjugate "hew down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
hew down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hews down
he/she/it
Past simple
hewed down
yesterday
Past participle
hewed down
have + pp
-ing form
hewing down
continuous
Hear "hew down" in the wild
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