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crack

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Crack means to make a sudden breaking sound or to split something, without it breaking into separate pieces.

(verb)

An example of crack is striking a whip on the ground.
An example of crack is a line in the cement patio.

The definition of crack is a sudden, sharp breaking sound or a break in something.

(noun)

An example of crack is the sound of a bone breaking.
An example of crack is a split in the ground after an earthquake.

Crack is defined as slang for a highly purified form of cocaine in hard pebble-sized pieces for smoking.

(noun)

An example of crack is what former Washington, D.C. mayor Marion Barry was caught smoking.

See crack in Webster's New World College Dictionary

intransitive verb

to make a sudden, sharp noise, as of something breaking
to break or split, usually without complete separation of parts
1. to become harsh or rasping, as the voice when hoarse
2. 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 , to start moving with dispatch
Informal to break down: to crack under a strain

Origin: 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
1. to break open or into; force open: to crack a safe
2. to open and consume the contents: to crack a bottle
3. to open and read or study: to crack a book
4. 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
1. a break, usually without complete separation of parts; fracture
2. 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

noun

☆ Slang hard, pebblelike pieces of highly purified cocaine prepared for smoking: a highly potent and addictive form of cocaine

Origin: < ?

adjective

☆ designating or of cocaine in this form

See crack in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb cracked, crack·ing, cracks

verb, intransitive

To break or snap apart.
To make a sharp snapping sound.
To break without complete separation of parts; fissure: The mirror cracked.
To change sharply in pitch or timbre, as from hoarseness or emotion. Used of the voice.
To break down; fail: The defendant's composure finally began to crack.
To have a mental or physical breakdown: cracked under the pressure.
To move or go rapidly: was cracking along at 70 miles an hour.
Chemistry To break into simpler molecules by means of heat.

verb, transitive

To cause to make a sharp snapping sound.
To cause to break without complete separation of parts: cracked the glass.
a. To break with a sharp snapping sound. See Synonyms at break.
b. To crush (corn or wheat, for example) into small pieces.
To open to a slight extent: cracked the window to let in some air.
To strike with a sudden sharp sound.
Informal
a. To break open or into: crack a safe.
b. To open up for use or consumption: crack a book; cracked a beer.
c. To break through (an obstacle) in order to win acceptance or acknowledgement: finally cracked the “men-only” rule at the club.
To discover the solution to, especially after considerable effort: crack a code.
To cause (the voice) to crack.
Informal To tell (a joke), especially on impulse or in an effective manner.
To cause to have a mental or physical breakdown.
To impair or destroy: Their rude remarks cracked his equanimity.
To reduce (petroleum) to simpler compounds by cracking.

noun

A sharp snapping sound, such as the report of a firearm.
a. A partial split or break; a fissure.
b. A slight narrow space: The window was open a crack.
A sharp resounding blow.
a. A mental or physical impairment; a defect.
b. A breaking, harshly dissonant vocal tone or sound, as in hoarseness.
An attempt or try: gave him a crack at the job; took a crack at photography.
A witty or sarcastic remark. See Synonyms at joke.
A moment; an instant: at the crack of dawn.
Irish Fun; amusement.
Slang Crack cocaine.

adjective

Excelling in skill or achievement; first-rate: a crack shot; a crack tennis player.

Phrasal Verbs: crack down To act more forcefully to regulate, repress, or restrain: The police cracked down on speeding. crack up Informal To praise highly: He was simply not the genius he was cracked up to be.

a. To damage or wreck (a vehicle or vessel): crack up a plane; crack up a boat.

b. To wreck a vehicle in an accident: cracked up on the expressway.

To have a mental or physical breakdown: crack up from overwork. To experience or cause to experience a great deal of amusement: really cracked up when I heard that joke.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English craken

Origin: , from Old English cracian; see gerə-² in Indo-European roots

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