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hacktivist

British  
/ ˈhæktɪvɪst /

noun

  1. informal a person who breaks into a computer system in order to pursue a political or social aim

"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

Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of hacktivist

C21: blend of hacker and activist


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Open-source reporting and Iranian hacktivist leaks indicate that there are likely three Quds Force units in Lebanon.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 24, 2026

The speeches at CyberUK will also press home the ongoing threat of nation state and hacktivist attacks, particularly from Russia and China.

From BBC ● Apr. 21, 2026

Cybersecurity experts believe attacks conducted by Iranian state-backed factors and affiliated hacktivist groups could continue, likely targeting critical service providers in the energy, telecommunications, military, and finance sectors across the U.S. and its allies.

From Barron's ● Mar. 29, 2026

Wu was a member of China’s first hacktivist group, Green Army — a group known informally as the “Whampoa Academy” after a famed Chinese military school.

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 7, 2024

Is he more narcissist hacktivist than thoughtful whistle-blower?

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 2, 2023

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