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

Parents are being warned to control their children or face a criminal record as part of an after-school crackdown on persistent trouble-makers in the centre of Nottingham.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

Fire victims called for a crackdown on the insurer and to bar a rate increase State Farm was seeking until it resolved their complaints.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

Polymarket said it has cooperated with the Justice Department on its crackdown on insider trading.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

It has been used against people whom the government alleged opposed or obstructed the immigration crackdown.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 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