crackdown

American  

[krak-doun] / ˈkrækˌdaʊn /

noun

1. the severe or stern enforcement of regulations, laws, etc., as to root out abuses or correct a problem.

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Etymology

Origin of crackdown

1930–35, noun use of verb phrase crack down

Explanation

When an authority uses strict or harsh measures to curb certain behavior, it's a crackdown. A crackdown can be seen as positive or negative, depending on what kind of activity is being limited. The violent crackdown of a repressive government on its citizens is anti-democratic, but your principal's crackdown on bullying is most likely good for everyone in your school. Crackdown, with its sense of "severe discipline," may have originated from the phrase crack the whip, although language experts aren't certain.

Example Sentences

Several of the servicemen still jailed today were detained in a March 2018 crackdown in which agents from military intelligence targeted a group of high-ranking officers and accused them of conspiracy, rebellion and other charges.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Authorities have pledged to close all online scam centres by the end of April, but analysts have said the government's crackdown on the industry is unlikely to stamp it out.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Marks & Spencer's retail director has called for a crackdown on retail crime, after a string of incidents involving shoplifting and violence at its stores.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Federal officials arrested eight people on various fraud charges in a crackdown dubbed “Operation Never Say Die.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Despite scientists’ fears, the ethical crackdown didn’t slow scientific progress.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot

Related Words

• clampdown
• repression
• strike
• suppression