bork

[ bawrk ]

/ bɔrk /

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verb (used with object)

to cause to malfunction, especially computer hardware or software: Installing updates in the wrong order will bork all of your saved games.The fonts are borked when the site is accessed from a mobile device.

to mess up, ruin, break, botch, etc.: He said all of the wrong things during his interview and completely borked his chances of being invited back.Of course I borked my leg on the first day of our ski trip.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of bork

First recorded in 2000–05; perhaps an alteration of break, influenced by bork²

Other definitions for bork (2 of 2)

bork²

[ bawrk ]

/ bɔrk /

verb (used with object)

to attack (a candidate or public figure) systematically, especially in the media.

Origin of bork

An Americanism dating back to 1988; after Judge Robert H. Bork, whose appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court was blocked in 1987 after an extensive media campaign by his opponents