verb trans
(usu + off/down) to cut into or sever (something), usu by a blow or repeated blows of a sharp instrument
They chopped down the tree
(often + up) to cut (something) into pieces
First chop an onion
to dispense with ruthlessly or reduce drastically (something) or to limit its extent, force, or amount
to strike (a ball) so as to impart backspin
to strike (an opponent, etc) with a short, sharp blow, esp with the side of the hand
to subject (a beam of light) to the action of a chopper (6)
to make a quick stroke or repeated strokes with, or as if with, a sharp instrument
[Middle English chappen, choppen, of Germanic origin]