Crack
/kræk/
Definitions
6 meaningsTo break something slightly, or to cause something to break.
/kræk/
To break or cause to break without complete separation; split.
The ice cracked under my weight.
💡 Simply: When something *cracks*, it's like it's getting a tiny, broken line. Think of a cookie: if you press it too hard, it might crack!
👶 For kids: To break something a little bit, like when a cookie breaks a tiny bit.
More Examples
He cracked an egg into the pan.
The stress cracked her voice.
How It's Used
"The vase cracked when it fell on the floor."
"The foundation of the building began to crack after the earthquake."
A narrow opening caused by a break.
/kræk/
A line on a surface where something has broken but not separated.
There was a crack in the windshield.
💡 Simply: A *crack* is like a little line on something, like a scratch, or a tiny split. It's where something's starting to break.
👶 For kids: A little line on something that's broken a little bit, like a broken cookie.
More Examples
A crack appeared in the sidewalk after the earthquake.
He noticed a crack in the old painting.
How It's Used
"There's a crack in the wall that needs to be repaired."
"A crack appeared in the ground after the earth tremor."
To solve a difficult problem or code.
/kræk/
To break open (a code or a safe).
The detectives finally cracked the case.
💡 Simply: To *crack* something can also mean figuring it out, like a secret code or how to get into a locked box.
👶 For kids: To figure out a secret, like cracking a code.
More Examples
She was able to crack the encryption algorithm.
They hired a hacker to try and crack the password.
How It's Used
"They managed to crack the code and access the secure files."
"The thieves were attempting to crack the safe."
To make a sudden, sharp noise.
/kræk/
To make a sudden, sharp sound.
The thunder cracked overhead.
💡 Simply: When something *cracks*, it can also mean making a quick, loud sound, like when you snap your fingers!
👶 For kids: To make a quick, loud noise like a whip.
More Examples
He cracked his knuckles.
The bat cracked against the ball.
How It's Used
"The whip cracked loudly in the air."
"The batter cracked the ball, sending it flying over the fence."
A joke.
/kræk/
He made a crack about the situation.
💡 Simply: A *crack* can be a funny thing you say to make someone laugh.
👶 For kids: A joke! Something funny you say.
More Examples
She couldn't resist making a crack about his new haircut.
The host told a few cracks to keep the audience entertained.
How It's Used
"He told a few cracks to lighten the mood."
"The comedian delivered a series of cracks."
A highly addictive form of cocaine.
/kræk/
A slang term for a form of cocaine.
The city is facing a crack epidemic.
💡 Simply: This *crack* is a dangerous drug that people become addicted to.
👶 For kids: A bad kind of drug that's not good for you.
More Examples
The police are working to combat the crack trade.
She entered rehab to overcome her crack addiction.
How It's Used
"He was addicted to crack and struggling to recover."
"The police seized a large quantity of crack cocaine during the raid."
Idioms & expressions
Crack a joke
To tell a joke.
"He cracked a joke to make everyone laugh."
Crack the whip
To enforce discipline or control, often through strict or authoritarian means.
"The new manager decided to crack the whip to improve productivity."
Crack under pressure
To fail or lose control due to stress or difficulty.
"He cracked under pressure during the final exam."
Crack a smile
To begin to smile or show signs of amusement.
"He cracked a smile when he heard the funny story."
From Middle English *cracken*, from Old English *cracian* ('to make a sudden sharp sound'), related to Proto-Germanic *krakōną*.
The word 'crack' has been used since Old English, initially referring to a sudden, sharp sound. Its meaning has broadened over time.