Hack
Noun
Definition: A rough or heavy blow.
Synonyms: Whack, Hit, Strike
Antonyms: Light tap, Love tap
- The boxer delivered a powerful hack to his opponent's jaw.
- The lumberjack swung his axe with a mighty hack.
- Think of a hack as a heavy, forceful blow.
Verb
Definition: To cut roughly or clumsily.
Definition: To gain unauthorized access to a computer system, typically to steal or manipulate data.
Synonyms: Chop, Slash, Gash (for definition 1); breach, Infiltrate, Penetrate (for definition 2)
Antonyms: Carve, Tailor (for definition 1); secure, Protect (for definition 2)
- The butcher hacked at the meat, creating uneven cuts.
- The hacker managed to hack into the company's database and steal confidential information.
- Think of a butcher hacking at meat with a knife for definition 1.
- For definition 2, imagine a hacker breaking through a computer's security system.
Etymology:
Old English 'haccian', related to Middle High German 'hacken', Dutch 'hakken', and German 'hacken'.
Historical Usage:The word 'hack' has been used in various contexts since Old English times, originally referring to cutting or chopping motions.
Related Idioms:
"Hack job"
Explanation:Refers to a job or task that is done quickly and carelessly, resulting in a subpar outcome.
Misconceptions:
Confusing the noun definition of 'hack' with the verb definition.
Explanation:'Hack' can be both a noun and a verb, but with distinct meanings. The noun refers to a blow or a rough cut, while the verb can mean to cut roughly or to gain unauthorized access to a computer system.