reverse-engineer

American  

[ri-vurs-en-juh-neer] / rɪˈvɜrs ɛn dʒəˈnɪər /

verb (used with object)

1. to study or analyze (a device, as a microchip for computers) in order to learn details of design, construction, and operation, perhaps to produce a copy or an improved version.

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Other Word Forms

• reverse engineering noun

Etymology

Origin of reverse-engineer

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

The assumption here is that existing computers are unable to reverse-engineer a private key from a public key.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

The problem for regional states wouldn’t only be the initial sale but the likelihood Ankara would reverse-engineer the aircraft to bolster its military industry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 7, 2026

"I think if we could reverse-engineer the naked mole-rat's biology," said Prof Balmus, "we might bring some much-needed therapies for an ageing society."

From BBC • Oct. 9, 2025

One consequence of building A.I. systems this way is that it’s difficult to reverse-engineer them or to fix problems by identifying specific bugs in the code.

From New York Times • May 21, 2024

Both the genome and consciousness evolved over millions of years, and to assume that we can reverse-engineer either in a few decades is a tad presumptuous.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 25, 2023