furlough vs give the axe

furlough is a noun but give the axe is not a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
furlough	Yes	No	Yes	No
give the axe	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, give the axe is a hypernym of furlough; that is, give the axe is a word with a broader meaning than furlough:

furlough: dismiss, usually for economic reasons
give the axe: terminate the employment of; discharge from an office or position

Other hypernyms of furlough include can, dismiss, displace, fire, force out, give notice, give the sack, sack, send away, terminate.

furlough (noun)	give the axe (noun)
a temporary leave of absence from military duty

furlough (verb)	give the axe (verb)
grant a leave to	terminate a relationship abruptly
dismiss, usually for economic reasons	terminate the employment of; discharge from an office or position