hacker

hack-er · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A person who uses computers to gain unauthorized access to data.

  2. 2.

    A skilled computer programmer or enthusiast.

  3. 3.

    A person who hacks or cuts roughly.

Forms

plural: hackers

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    white-hat hacker — an ethical hacker who tests security systems
  • •
    black-hat hacker — a malicious hacker with criminal intent

Related words

See also: hack, hacking, programmer
Synonyms: cracker, cybercriminal, programmer

Etymology

From hack + -er (agent suffix). The computing sense emerged in the 1960s at MIT.