Main Entry: ¹chop

Pronunciation: \ˈchäp\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): chopped; chop·ping

Etymology: Middle English chappen, choppen — more at chap

Date: 14th century

transitive verb 1 a : to cut into or sever usually by repeated blows of a sharp instrument b : to cut into pieces —often used with up <chop up an onion> c : to weed and thin out (young cotton) d : to cut as if by chopping <chop prices> <a bridge chops the lake in two>
2 : to strike (as a ball) with a short quick downward stroke
3 : to subject to the action of a chopper <chop a beam of light>intransitive verb 1 : to make a quick stroke or repeated strokes with or as if with a sharp instrument (as an ax)
2 archaic : to move or act suddenly or violently