What does slashed mean?
Slashed is the past tense and past participle of the verb slash, meaning to cut or mark something with a long, sharp movement. It can also describe a sudden, sweeping action, as in a report that “slashed” across a page, or a sharp reduction in prices, costs, or budgets. In adjective use, a “slashed price” is one reduced dramatically, while a “slashed surface” bears a long, narrow cut. The word can suggest violence, force, speed, or dramatic change, so its tone ranges from literal and physical to strongly economic or journalistic. It is useful because it captures an action that is not merely cut, but cut with a decisive, sweeping motion, and it can vividly convey either damage or substantial reduction.
To cut or make a long, narrow mark in something with a sharp or forceful motion; to move or strike with a sudden sweeping action; or to reduce something sharply.
"The editor slashed a sentence from the article."
The financial sense, meaning to reduce a cost or price sharply, is especially common in news and business reporting.
Marked with a long, narrow cut or stroke, or reduced sharply in price, cost, or quantity.
"The shop advertised slashed prices for the entire weekend."
The adjective “slashed” is strongly associated with dramatic price reductions when used with costs, figures, or prices.
A slashed price makes a headline; a slashed sentence makes a point. The word carries both violence and dramatic reduction.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does slashed come from?
The word slash developed in English with the meaning of making a long, sweeping cut or gash; its deeper origin is uncertain. The past form and participle “slashed” follow the regular inflection of the verb. The related noun “slash” came to denote both the act of cutting and the mark or long stroke produced by it.
Related word forms
How slashed is actually used
The verb is common in both formal and informal contexts. When referring to sharp financial reductions, 'slashed' is strongly journalistic and often implies a substantial or sudden decrease.
Easily confused with slashed
Slashed suggests a long, sweeping or forceful cut, while sliced suggests cutting something into thin pieces or making clean, precise cuts.