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 platform, which has more than 200 million users worldwide, says hackers had targeted a firm that helped to verify the ages of its users but the Discord platform itself was not breached.

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Over the years researchers have noticed patterns in methods and tools favoured by North Korean hackers.

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When the Co-op supermarket chain was hit, the same group of hackers claimed responsibility.

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Jaguar Land Rover was recently forced to stop production and take a £1.5bn loan underwritten by the government after being targeted by hackers at the end of August.

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Such apps could potentially collect very sensitive data, which could be devastating if exposed by hackers.

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Related Words

• operator 
• technician