hack
UK: hæk | US: hæk
vt. to cut or chop roughly
vt. to gain unauthorized access to a computer system
n. a rough cut or notch
n. a clever solution or shortcut (informal)
n. a writer producing dull, routine work
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The word "hack" originates from Old English haccian, meaning "to cut roughly." Over time, it evolved to describe crude or unskilled cutting, later extending metaphorically to repetitive or uninspired work (e.g., "hack writer"). In the 20th century, it adopted a tech-specific sense—initially referring to clever programming shortcuts, then shifting to unauthorized system access (1980s onward). The dual meanings reflect both physical action (chopping) and abstract problem-solving, showcasing semantic broadening.
He used an axe to hack through the thick branches.
The journalist was accused of being a hack, churning out low-quality articles.
She found a clever hack to speed up her workflow.
Cybersecurity experts detected an attempt to hack the company’s database.
The old table had deep hacks from years of misuse.