crowbar

[ kroh-bahr ]

noun

1. Also called crow. a steel bar, usually flattened and slightly bent at one or both ends, used as a lever.

verb (used with object)

, crow·barred, crow·bar·ring.

1. to pry open, loosen, etc., with a crowbar:

   We had to crowbar a window to get in.

crowbar

/ ˈkrəʊˌbɑː /

noun

1. a heavy iron lever with one pointed end, and one forged into a wedge shape

Word History and Origins

Origin of crowbar¹

1740–50, Americanism; crow ¹ + bar ¹; so called because one end was beak-shaped

Example Sentences

“He wants to put a crowbar in the spokes of our wheels within a nanosecond,” Newsom said.

From Los Angeles Times

The man is seen holding up an assault weapon and what appears to be a yellow metal crowbar with his other hand.

From Los Angeles Times

The thieves are then seen using a crowbar to force open the glass door before entering the store and then chaining the machine to the car to pull it out.

From Los Angeles Times

Investigations found Reed's DNA on items around the victim's home, including on a black crowbar and two blue disposable gloves containing the victim's blood.

From BBC

“Free, Free Palestine,” protesters chanted, as law enforcement officers broke open a door with a crowbar and entered the building.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• chisel
• lever