razee
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /reɪˈzi/
KK: /reɪˈzi/
noun
Definition
A type of warship that has had its upper deck removed to make it smaller and of a lower classification.
Example
The navy decided to razee several of its older ships to save on maintenance costs.
Conversation
Did you read about that old ship they turned into a razee?
Yeah, it's fascinating how they can modify ships like that.
I can't believe they actually cut down the upper deck.
It makes sense for reducing the size, but it must have changed the ship's capabilities.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
warship
frigate
vessel
Antonyms
battleship
destroyer
carrier
transitive verb
Definition
To reduce the height of a ship by cutting off part of its structure, usually to make it smaller or less capable.
Example
The old ship was razeed to make it easier to manage in shallow waters.
Tense Forms
Past: razeed
Past Participle: razeed
Conversation
Did you hear they might razee that old ship in the harbor?
Really? I thought they were going to restore it instead.
Yeah, I guess it costs too much to maintain, so they might razee it for parts.
Root Explanation
The word 'razee' originates from the French word 'raser', meaning to shave or scrape. It refers specifically to the act of shaving down a ship's upper works to make it lower in height.
Memory Tip
Think of the French word 'raser' which means to shave — that's why 'razee' refers to the act of shaving down a ship.
Visually Confused Words
graze
gazee
fraze
craze
braze