dictionary attack

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noun Computers.

an attempt to break into a password-protected computer or computer system with a software program that successively tries all the words in a large dictionary or other word list.

an attempt by a spammer to obtain a list of valid email addresses by testing possible usernames in combination with a domain name.

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Words nearby dictionary attack

dictatorial, dictatorship, diction, dictionary, dictionary and thesaurus, dictionary attack, dictionary catalog, dictionary catalogue, Dictionary.com, dictionary of names, Dictograph

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use dictionary attack in a sentence

“The institution of marraige [sic] is under attack in our society and it needs to be strengthened,” Bush wrote.
Jeb Bush’s Unseen Anti-Gay Marriage Emails|Jackie Kucinich|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
As soon as this attack [happened], Paris citizens came together to show were are not afraid, we are Charlie Hebdo.
France Kills Charlie Hebdo Murderers|Nico Hines|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
It is grandstanding for a right rarely protected unless under immediate attack.
Politicians Only Love Journalists When They're Dead|Luke O’Neil|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The comedian responded to the deadly attack on a French satirical magazine by renewing his recent criticisms of the Islamic faith.
Bill Maher: Hundreds of Millions of Muslims Support Attack on ‘Charlie Hebdo’|Lloyd Grove|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST

It was also an attack on our freedom of expression and way of life.
Politicians Only Love Journalists When They're Dead|Luke O’Neil|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
He prepared a glossary of provincial and archological words, intended for a supplement to Johnson's Dictionary.
The Every Day Book of History and Chronology|Joel Munsell
In their shelter, Brion and Ulv crouched low and wondered why the attack didn't come.
Sense of Obligation|Henry Maxwell Dempsey (AKA Harry Harrison)
On to Gaba Tepe just in time to see the opening, the climax and the end of the dreaded Turkish counter attack.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume I|Ian Hamilton
Then the enemy's howitzers and field guns had it all their own way, forcing attack to yield a lot of ground.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume I|Ian Hamilton
But the strength of his arm, and the bravery of his heart could not have defended him long against their determined attack.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter

British Dictionary definitions for dictionary attack

dictionary attack

noun

an attempt to hack into a computer or network by submitting every word in a dictionary as a possible password

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012