crack
verb (used without object)
to break without complete separation of parts; become fissured.
have been cracking
-
present perfect progressiveof crack.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
The efforts come as business leaders have been cracking down on their AI spending, and scrutinizing whether the costs are worthwhile.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026
Censors have been cracking down on any source of financial frustration - vocal online posts are promptly scrubbed, while influencers have been blocked on social media for flaunting luxurious tastes.
From BBC ● Sep. 30, 2024
The arrests have inflamed an already tense situation: For months, law enforcement officials have been cracking down on protests against the training center.
From New York Times ● Jun. 2, 2023
The United Nations Human Rights Council says that Iran’s morality police have been cracking down on women they accuse of not wearing the hijab properly, the Associated Press reported.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 22, 2022
For his mere amusement the best fireworks have been cracking round him on his journey.
From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 01, No. 01, November, 1857 A Magazine of Literature, Art, and Politics by Various
