First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1hack
verb \ˈhak\
Definition of HACK
transitive verb
1
2
: to clear or make by or as if by cutting away vegetation <hacked his way through the brush>
3
a : to manage successfully <just couldn't hack the new job> b : tolerate <I can't hack all this noise>
intransitive verb
1
a : to make chopping strokes or blows <hacked at the weeds>; also : to make cuts as if by chopping <hacking away at the work force> b : to play inexpert golf
2
: to cough in a short dry manner
3
: loaf —usually used with around
4
a : to write computer programs for enjoyment b : to gain access to a computer illegally
— hack it
1
: cope 2b <I can't hack it any longer>
2
: to be successful <couldn't hack it in the world of professional sports>
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of HACK
Middle English hakken, from Old English -haccian; akin to Old High German hacchōn to hack, Old English hōc hook
2hack
noun
Definition of HACK
1
: an implement for hacking
3
: a short dry cough
4
: a hacking stroke or blow
5
: restriction to quarters as punishment for naval officers —usually used in the phrase under hack
6
: a usually creative solution to a computer hardware or programming problem or limitation
First Known Use of HACK
14th century
3hack
noun
Definition of HACK
2
a (1) : a horse let out for common hire (2) : a horse used in all kinds of work b : a horse worn out in service : jade c : a light easy saddle horse; especially : a three-gaited saddle horse d : a ride on a horse
3
Origin of HACK
short for hackney
First Known Use: 1672
Other Automotive Terms
4hack
adjective
Definition of HACK
1
: working for hire especially with mediocre professional standards <a hack journalist>
2
: performed by, suited to, or characteristic of a hack <hack writing>
First Known Use of HACK
circa 1734
Related to HACK
- Synonyms
- banal, cliché (also cliche), clichéd, cobwebby, commonplace, stale, hackney, hackneyed, moth-eaten, musty, obligatory, shopworn, stereotyped, threadbare, timeworn, tired, trite, well-worn
5hack
verb
Definition of HACK
intransitive verb
1
: to ride or drive at an ordinary pace or over the roads especially as distinguished from racing or hunting
2
: to operate a taxicab
transitive verb
: to ride (a horse) at an ordinary pace
First Known Use of HACK
1857
6hack
verb
Definition of HACK
transitive verb
: to rear (a young hawk) in a state of partial liberty especially prior to the acquisition of flight and hunting capabilities
Origin of HACK
hack, n., board on which a hawk is fed, state of partial liberty, probably alteration of Middle English hache, heche, heck lower door, hatch
First Known Use: 1883
7hack
noun
Definition of HACK
slang : a guard especially at a prison
Origin of HACK
origin unknown
First Known Use: circa 1914
HACK Defined for Kids
1hack
verb \ˈhak\
hackedhack·ing
Definition of HACK for Kids
1
: to cut with repeated chopping blows
2
: to cough in a short broken way
3
: to write computer programs for enjoyment
4
: to gain access to a computer illegally
2hack
noun
Definition of HACK for Kids
: a short broken cough
3hack
noun
Definition of HACK for Kids
1
: a horse let out for hire or used for varied work
2
: a person who works for pay at a routine writing job
3
: a person who does work that is not good or original and especially a writer who is not very good
Learn More About HACK
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: hackamatakPrevious Word in the Dictionary: haciendaAll Words Near: hack
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up hack? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).