deep-six

1 of 2

verb

deep-sixed; deep-sixing; deep-sixes

transitive verb

1
: to get rid of : discard, eliminate
legislators voting to deep-six a government program
2
slang : to throw overboard

deep six

2 of 2

noun

slang
: a place of disposal or abandonment
used especially in the phrase give it the deep six

Examples of deep-six in a Sentence

Verb deep-sixed the documents with the incriminating evidence
Recent Examples on the Web
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Verb
Will the current climate of contention, controversy and general bad vibes from both sides of the Middle East divide crash the parties and deep-six the celebrations for a truly outstanding year of cinema and small-screen achievements? Steven Gaydos, Variety, 27 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

from the leadsman's call by the deep six for a depth corresponding to the sixth deep on a sounding line

First Known Use

Verb

1944, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of deep-six was in 1922

Podcast

Dictionary Entries Near deep-six

Cite this Entry

“Deep-six.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deep-six. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

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