hacker

[hak-er]

noun

1. a person or thing that hacks.

2. Slang.,  a person who engages in an activity without talent or skill.

   weekend hackers on the golf course.

3. Computers.

   1. a person who has a high level of skill in computer technology or programming; a computer expert or enthusiast.

      My brother is a real hacker—he fixed my laptop in no time.

   2. a person who circumvents security and breaks into a network, computer, file, etc., often, but not always, with malicious intent.

      A hacker got into my computer remotely and wiped my hard drive!

      The company has hired hackers to test system security.

hacker

/ ˈhækə /

noun

1. a person that hacks

2. slang,  a computer fanatic, esp one who through a personal computer breaks into the computer system of a company, government, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of hacker¹

First recorded in 1200–50 hacker for def. 1; Middle English (as surname); hack ¹, -er ¹; 1965–70 hacker for def. 2

Example Sentences

The manufacturer has been forced to suspend production for weeks after being targeted by hackers at the end of August.

From BBC

A loosely linked group of hackers who claimed to be behind that cyber attack also claimed responsibility for high profile attacks on Marks & Spencer and the Co-op earlier this year.

From BBC

Police advice is to never pay hacker ransoms as it encourages the criminal ecosystem.

From BBC

The pair were allegedly contacted by pro-Russian hackers on the messaging app Telegram, Dutch media reported.

From BBC

It is yet to confirm the hackers' claims.

From BBC

Related Words

• operator 
• technician