Crack

/kræk/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A line on the surface of an object where it has broken but not separated.

There was a crack in the wall that needed to be fixed.

A sharp, sudden sound.

I heard a crack in the distance, like thunder.

A flaw or deficiency.

There is a crack in his alibi that we need to investigate.

verb

To break or cause to break without a complete separation of the parts.

He cracked the nut open with a hammer.

To make a sudden sharp sound.

The whip cracked through the air.

To solve (a code or puzzle).

The detective managed to crack the case wide open.

Middle English; from Old English 'cracian' meaning to crack, break.

crack a joke

To make a humorous remark.

having a crack at something

To try something.

crack down

To start enforcing laws or rules more strictly.

crack the code

To solve a problem or mystery.

crack up

To laugh uncontrollably.

cracked

Broken or damaged.

cracking

The action of breaking or causing to break.

cracker

A type of thin, crisp bread.

crackle

To make a series of small, sharp cracking noises.

crackpot

A person who is eccentric or crazy.

Crack cocaine.

He was addicted to crack.

To succeed at something quickly or unexpectedly.

She managed to crack the exam without studying.

A clever or witty remark.

He always has a crack ready for any situation.