hammer
UK: ˈhæmə | US: ˈhæmər
n. a tool with a heavy head and handle, used for striking or pounding
vt. to strike or shape something with a hammer
vi. to deliver repeated forceful blows
The word "hammer" traces back to Old English hamor, derived from Proto-Germanic hamaraz (stone tool). The root ham- likely referred to "stone" (as in early hammerheads), while -mer denoted a tool or instrument. Over time, the meaning narrowed to the modern striking tool, retaining its core function across Germanic languages (e.g., German Hammer, Dutch hamer). The word’s persistence reflects its fundamental role in human craftsmanship.
He used a hammer to drive the nail into the wall.
The blacksmith hammered the red-hot metal into shape.
Rain hammered against the windows all night.
The judge hammered his gavel to call for order.
She hammered out a solution after hours of negotiation.