hacker

[ hak-er ]

noun

1. a person or thing that hacks.
2. Slang. a person who engages in an activity without talent or skill:

   weekend hackers on the golf course.

3. Computers.
   1. a person who has a high level of skill in computer technology or programming; a computer expert or enthusiast:

      My brother is a real hacker—he fixed my laptop in no time.

   2. a person who circumvents security and breaks into a network, computer, file, etc., often, but not always, with malicious intent: Compare black hat ( def 2 ), gray hat, white hat ( def 2 ).

      A hacker got into my computer remotely and wiped my hard drive!

      The company has hired hackers to test system security.

hacker

/ ˈhækə /

noun

1. a person that hacks
2. slang.
   a computer fanatic, esp one who through a personal computer breaks into the computer system of a company, government, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of hacker¹

First recorded in 1200–50 hacker fordef 1; Middle English (as surname); hack ¹, -er ¹; 1965–70 hacker fordef 2

Example Sentences

Health information has become a prime target for hackers seeking to extort healthcare agencies and individuals after accessing sensitive patient data.

From Los Angeles Times

An anonymous hacker has obtained files containing evidence against former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who has been accused of paying for sex, including with a minor, The New York Times reported.

From Salon

The CNE said it could not publish the voting records because the data had been corrupted by hackers.

From BBC

A hacker has been sentenced to five years in a US prison for laundering the proceeds of one of the biggest ever cryptocurrency thefts.

From BBC

Instead, battles were fought with hackers, data breaches and server shutdowns.

From Salon

Related Words

• operator
• technician