hacker

American  

[hak-er] / ˈhæk ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that hacks.

2. Slang. a person who engages in an activity without talent or skill.

   weekend hackers on the golf course.

3. Computers.

   1. a person who has a high level of skill in computer technology or programming; a computer expert or enthusiast.

      My brother is a real hacker—he fixed my laptop in no time.

   2. a person who circumvents security and breaks into a network, computer, file, etc., often, but not always, with malicious intent.

      A hacker got into my computer remotely and wiped my hard drive!

      The company has hired hackers to test system security.

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hacker British  

/ ˈhækə /

noun

1. a person that hacks

2. slang a computer fanatic, esp one who through a personal computer breaks into the computer system of a company, government, etc

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Etymology

Origin of hacker

First recorded in 1200–50 hacker for def. 1; Middle English (as surname); hack ¹, -er ¹; 1965–70 hacker for def. 2

Example Sentences

But the technology's explosive spread has alarmed security researchers and corporate IT departments wary of employees inadvertently exposing company systems to hackers or causing disruption.

From Barron's

But so far in the war, that has been the only visible commercial attack claimed by an Iranian hacker group.

From Barron's

US and Israeli hackers could have infiltrated key computer networks in Iran long before any actual strike was planned.

From BBC

That means all your data stays totally encrypted, unseen by malicious hackers or peeping government agencies — plus you get to enjoy unlimited traffic bandwidth and a lightning-fast high-speed connection.

From Salon

A top VPN secures public WiFi connections, helps you hop over geographic restrictions and encrypts your data against hackers and advertisers.

From Salon

Related Words

• operator
• technician