crack
crack1 definition
crack (krak)
intransitive verb
- to make a sudden, sharp noise, as of something breaking
- to break or split, usually without complete separation of parts
- to become harsh or rasping, as the voice when hoarse
- to change suddenly from one register to another, as the voice of a boy in adolescence
- Informal to move with speed: now chiefly in phrase get cracking, to start moving with dispatch
- Informal to break down to crack under a strain
Etymology: ME craken < OE cracian, to resound, akin to Ger krachen < IE base *ger-: see crow
transitive verb
- to cause to make a sharp, sudden noise
- to cause to break or split, as by a sharp blow or by heavy pressure, intense heat, etc.
- to destroy or impair to crack all opposition
- to cause (the voice) to crack
- ☆ to subject (as petroleum) to the process of cracking
- to hit or strike with a sudden, sharp blow or impact
- to break through the difficulties of; manage to solve to crack a secret code
- Informal to manage to gain entrance or acceptance in
- Informal
- to break open or into; force open to crack a safe
- to open and consume the contents to crack a bottle
- to open and read or study to crack a book
- to open slightly (a door, window, etc.)
- Slang to make (a joke)
noun
- a sudden, sharp noise, as of something breaking the crack of a whip
- a break, usually without complete separation of parts; fracture
- a slight defect; flaw cracks in his composure
- ☆ a narrow opening, as between boards; chink; fissure; crevice
- an abrupt, erratic shift of vocal tone, as from emotion or in adolescence
- a moment; instant at the crack of dawn
- a sudden, sharp blow or impact
- ☆ Informal an attempt or try to take a crack at working a puzzle
- ☆ Slang a joke, gibe, or sharp remark
- Slang a burglar or burglary
adjective
Informal excelling in skill or performance; first-rate a crack shot, crack troops
crack Idioms
crack a smile
Slang to smile, esp. when not inclined to do so
crack down (on)
☆ to become strict or stricter (with)
cracked up to be
☆Informal alleged or believed to be
crack up
- to crash, as (in) an airplane
- Informal
- to break down physically or mentally
- to break into a fit of laughter or tears
crack wise
☆Slang to joke or gibe
fall between the cracks
or fall through the cracksInformal to fail to fit into a given agenda or program
crack2 definition
crack (krak)
noun
☆ Slang hard, pebblelike pieces of highly purified cocaine prepared for smoking: a highly potent and addictive form of cocaine
Etymology: < ?
adjective
☆ designating or of cocaine in this form
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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