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

The Hong Kong-based financial firm came under pressure after China’s securities regulator launched a broad crackdown on unauthorized cross-border investing, targeting online brokerages.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

Whatever the legality of insider trading, a crackdown has begun.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

Former president Duterte was arrested last year and is awaiting trial by the ICC in The Hague on charges stemming from the drug crackdown.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

Sierra Leone has become the latest African country to receive migrants deported from the United States amid Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

When I ask Stu what happened to inspire the crackdown, he just mutters about “management decisions” and takes the opportunity to upbraid Gail and me for being too generous with the rolls.

From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich

Related Words

• clampdown
• repression
• strike
• suppression