to crack
- verb
- /kræk/
- Jargon
- Craig: The journalist Craig prided himself on his ability to crack computer codes and access files.
And you know, they could crack the blockchain, they could crack the code.
- And you know, they could crack the blockchain, they could crack the code.
- But most password cracking these days doesn't work this way.
- Nonetheless, the code was cracked the day that this case was decided.
- I'm sorry, how, how long did it take you to crack into that website and get this information?
Examples
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So I'm going to crack into here.
-
If we find that uplink, we can crack the code.
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We can crack this together.
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"A lot of people look at their own systems and wonder how anyone could crack it, but any system is vulnerable."
Academic text (2006) -
You've got 36 hours to crack this bastard, or you might want to be thinking about another career.
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We personally, my own computer team personally cracked the Alphabet bandit's code this afternoon.
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What would happen if an enemy cracked our atomic weapon codes, or re-encrypted our Social Security or health databases?
Academic text (2010) -
Hackers managed to crack the company's security system and stole sensitive information.
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She was worried that someone might crack her online accounts and steal her personal data.
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The team worked hard to prevent attackers from trying to crack their software's encryption.
Synonyms
To enter a building or computer without permission to steal
To get into a computer or network without permission
To enter a building or computer system without permission, often by force
To take control of a computer or online account without permission
Antonyms
Idioms
To use much more effort or help than needed to do a small task
- Informal
To use far more force or effort than needed for a small task
Phrasal Verbs
Compounds
- Offensive
An offensive word for a woman who exchanges sex for crack cocaine, often because she is addicted
- Specialized
A vertical crack on the inside of a horse's front hoof that can make the horse limp
- Jargon
A visible straight line that appears down the middle of the belly from strong stomach muscles
How Successful
Surface Forms
Etymology
To crack a code or security system uses the idea of 'breaking' something open, like breaking a lock. That's why to 'crack' a password means to open it without permission.