Hack
/hæk/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo cut or chop something roughly.
/hæk/
To cut or chop roughly.
He hacked at the weeds in his garden.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're making dinner and need to chop up some veggies. You *hack* them into pieces with your knife!
👶 For kids: To cut something into pieces with a tool.
More Examples
The chef hacked the meat into small cubes.
She hacked a path through the tall grass.
How It's Used
"She hacked the vegetables into small pieces for the stew."
"He had to hack through the dense jungle with his machete."
To gain unauthorized access to a computer system or network.
/hæk/
The news reported a major company's data being hacked.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone is trying to sneak into a locked computer or a website without permission. That's *hacking*.
👶 For kids: To try to get into a computer or website without permission, like a secret code.
More Examples
Cybersecurity experts are constantly trying to prevent hacking attempts.
He was accused of hacking into the school's grading system.
How It's Used
"The security breach was caused by hackers who hacked into the company's database."
"The government is working to prevent foreign powers from hacking into critical infrastructure."
To modify or alter a system or process, usually in a clever or resourceful way.
/hæk/
To modify or alter (a system or process).
She hacked together a solution using code.
💡 Simply: It's like finding a clever way to change or fix something, like adding a button to your video game controller so that it is easier to play.
👶 For kids: To find a clever shortcut to do something.
More Examples
The programmer hacked the app to bypass the security feature.
He hacked his drone to fly farther.
How It's Used
"He hacked the software to add a new feature."
"They hacked an old appliance into a smart home device."
A clever or quick solution to a problem.
/hæk/
This recipe is a great cooking hack.
💡 Simply: A *hack* is a clever trick or shortcut that makes something easier or solves a problem. Like using your phone as a level.
👶 For kids: A clever way to make something easier or faster.
More Examples
He shared his favorite productivity hacks.
The app has a useful travel hack to save money on flights.
How It's Used
"This life hack is a genius way to open a bottle with a spoon!"
"Finding the root to a system exploit is a good hack."
Idioms & expressions
life hack
A tip or technique designed to simplify a task or increase efficiency.
"Using vinegar to clean your shower is a great life hack."
Originally, "hack" meant to cut or chop. Its computer science usage, emerging in the 1960s at MIT, derived from a slang term for a clever or quick solution to a problem, often involving unconventional methods. The term evolved to encompass unauthorized access to computer systems.
The original meaning, "to cut roughly", dates back centuries. The term's association with computer science is relatively recent, gaining prominence in the 1960s and later expanding to include lifehacks.
Memory tip
Imagine hacking away at a tree trunk with an axe.
Word Origin
"to chop or cut"