Slasher (noun)

1. A person or machine that slashes or cuts, especially one used for cutting vegetation or trees.
2. A film or novel featuring a murderer who uses a knife or similar weapon to kill a large number of people.

Origin:

Late 19th century (originally us): alteration of slash + -er.

Examples:

1. The slasher made quick work of the dense underbrush.
2. The slasher in the horror movie was never caught by the police.
3. The slasher in the novel had a personal vendetta against the victims.
4. The slasher had to be called in to clear the overgrown field.
5. The slasher was a notorious killer, terrorizing the city for years.