hack
hack Lexical Profile
hack Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An act of gaining unauthorized access to a computer network, digital system, or electronic data.
"The cybersecurity firm investigated the massive data hack that exposed millions of customer passwords."
A clever, efficient, or unconventional tip, trick, or shortcut for accomplishing a familiar task or solving a problem.
"Using baking soda and vinegar is a popular household hack for cleaning stubborn kitchen drains."
A writer, journalist, or professional who produces dull, unoriginal, or low-quality work merely for commercial gain; a mediocrity or fraud.
"He was widely regarded as a political hack who simply repeated party talking points without independent analysis."
A rough cut, heavy blow, or gash made with a sharp instrument, or a dry, repetitive cough.
"With a few quick hacks of the machete, the guide cleared the overgrown vines blocking the trail."
An ordinary riding horse kept for hire or light recreational riding, or (chiefly North American) a taxicab.
"They rented a gentle hack from the local stable for an afternoon ride through the countryside."
• verb
To gain unauthorized access to data in a computer system or digital network.
"Security researchers demonstrated how easily someone could hack the outdated wireless router."
To cut, chop, or sever with rough, heavy, or irregular blows.
"Gardeners had to hack away the thick brambles that had overtaken the stone wall."
To modify, improvise, or devise a clever shortcut or quick solution to a technical or everyday problem.
"The engineers managed to hack together a working prototype using spare components over the weekend."
To manage, cope with, or tolerate a difficult situation (usually used in negative constructions).
"He left the rigorous training program after realizing he could not hack the grueling schedule."
To cough roughly, shortly, and repeatedly.
"The patient continued to hack throughout the night due to the lingering bronchial infection."
• adjective
Done for hire in a routine, uninspired, or mediocre manner; lacking originality or artistic merit.
"The critic dismissed the sequel as a piece of hack journalism written solely for a quick paycheck."
Word Nuance & Usage
'Hack' derives from two distinct historical roots: the cutting and computing senses stem from Old English 'haccian' (to chop), whereas the senses relating to horses, taxicabs, and mediocre writers stem from a shortening of 'hackney'.
• Rhymes for hack
Word Origin & Etymology
The cutting and computing senses derive from Old English *haccian* ('to cut in pieces'), of West Germanic origin. The senses referring to a horse for hire, taxicab, or mediocre writer originated in the 18th century as a shortening of *hackney*.