hack

hack · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To cut with rough or heavy blows.

  2. 2.

    To gain unauthorized access to a computer system.

  3. 3.

    (informal) To cope with or manage something.

  4. 4.

    (informal) To find a clever solution or shortcut.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    hack into — to break into a computer system illegally
  • •
    life hack — a clever tip or technique for daily life
  • •
    hack it — to manage or cope with something

Related words

See also: hacked, hacker, hacking
Synonyms: breach, chop, cut

Etymology

From Old English haccian ("to cut into pieces"), related to Dutch hakken and German hacken.