crackdown

[ krak-doun ]

noun

1. the severe or stern enforcement of regulations, laws, etc., as to root out abuses or correct a problem.

Word History and Origins

Origin of crackdown¹

1930–35, Americanism; noun use of verb phrase crack down

Example Sentences

An advocacy center that offered a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community in Beijing has been closed as part of a government crackdown.

From Los Angeles Times

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Amid China’s crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights, queer influencers are using creative strategies, subtle hashtags and coded language to stay one step ahead of social media censors and provide much-needed support to the community.

From Los Angeles Times

And he would undoubtedly carry out the Trump administration’s coming crackdown on abortion: As congressman, Gaetz has consistently supported draconian anti-abortion laws, including severe restrictions on medication abortion.

From Slate

In 2020, Rubio was sanctioned by the Chinese government after he pushed measures to punish the nation for its crackdown on pro-democracy protestors in Hong Kong.

From BBC

The gains are a sign that investors are anticipating big changes for the sector, which faced a crackdown under the Biden administration from regulators warning it was rife with hucksters and fraudsters.

From BBC

Related Words

• clampdown
• repression
• strike
• suppression