chop
UK: tʃɒp | US: tʃɑːp
vt. to cut something into pieces with a quick, heavy blow
n. a small piece of meat, often including a bone
n. a quick, downward cutting motion
n. (informal) dismissal from a job
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The word "chop" likely originated in the late 14th century as an onomatopoeic term, imitating the sound of a quick, sharp blow or cut. It may derive from Middle English "choppen," which itself echoes the abrupt, percussive action of cutting. Over time, its meanings expanded to include the result of the action (e.g., a piece of meat) and metaphorical uses (e.g., job dismissal). Its Germanic roots suggest a compact, primal origin tied to physical action rather than a compound structure.
She used a cleaver to chop the vegetables finely.
He ordered a lamb chop at the restaurant.
The karate master demonstrated a powerful chop to break the board.
After the merger, many employees faced the chop.
The wind made the sails chop against the mast.