1. a long-handled ax with a spike or hammer on the back, used as a weapon or tool
Usage: historical

1. to strike down or stun with or as if with a poleax
2. to shock or astonish completely
Usage: informal

Examples

• The medieval knight wielded a heavy poleax in battle.
• Museum displays showed various poleaxes used by ancient warriors.
• The boxer was poleaxed by a devastating right hook.
• The bull was poleaxed at the slaughterhouse.
• She was completely poleaxed by the unexpected news.
• The revelation poleaxed the entire audience.
• His rude comment poleaxed everyone at the dinner table.