shaft

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noun

Definition of SHAFT

1

a narrow sharply defined line of light radiating from an object <shafts of late-afternoon sunlight pierced the blinds and streaked the floor>

Synonyms beam, ray

Related Words moonbeam, sunbeam, sunburst; laser, spotlight

2

a weapon with a long straight handle and sharp head or blade <the footmen set their shafts so as to form a bank of steel against the enemy's charging cavalry>

Synonyms javelin, lance, pike, pikestaff, shaft

Related Words dart, spike; gaff, halberd (also halbert), harpoon, leister, trident

3

unfair or inadequate treatment of someone or something or an instance of this <the homeowners who were bought out are convinced they got the shaft in that deal>

Synonyms inequity, injury, injustice, raw deal, shaft, unfairness, unjustness, wrong

Related Words affront, indignity, insult, offense (or offence), outrage, put-down, slight, slur; beef, complaint, grievance

Near Antonyms cricket

Antonyms equitableness, equity, fairness, justice