sledge·ham·mer (slěj'hām'ər) n. A long heavy hammer, often wielded with both hands, used for driving wedges and posts and for other heavy work. tr.v.
sledge·ham·mered, sledge·ham·mer·ing, sledge·ham·mers To strike with or as if with a sledgehammer. adj. Ruthlessly severe; crushing: sledgehammer prosecutorial tactics.
[Middle English slegge (from Old English slecg) + hammer.]