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

See Examples For:

reverse-engineer

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

So instead, Gemma Galdon and her colleagues decided to reverse-engineer VioGén and do an external audit.

From BBC ● Apr. 19, 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

“But so much more could be happening if you were to reverse-engineer the system, so that grassroot efforts inform the top.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 12, 2023