jailbreak

[ jeyl-breyk ]

noun

1. an escape from prison, especially by forcible means.
2. Digital Technology.
   1. an instance of gaining access to the operating system of a smartphone, tablet, etc., especially one manufactured by Apple.
   2. a software program or piece of hardware used to accomplish this:

      You'll need a jailbreak to run unauthorized apps.

   3. an instance of circumventing restrictions on access to any computer system or digital content.

verb (used with object)

, jail·broke [jeyl, -brohk], jail·brok·en [jeyl, -broh-k, uh, n], jail·break·ing.

1. Digital Technology. to gain access to the operating system of (a smartphone, tablet, etc., especially an Apple device), usually in order to run modified or unauthorized software. Compare root ¹( def 22a ).

verb (used without object)

, jail·broke [jeyl, -brohk], jail·brok·en [jeyl, -broh-k, uh, n], jail·break·ing.

1. Digital Technology. to engage in this practice: Compare root ¹( def 24 ).

   Manufacturers are trying to prevent jailbreaking.

jailbreak

/ ˈdʒeɪlˌbreɪk /

noun

1. Alsogaolbreak an escape from jail

Word History and Origins

Origin of jailbreak¹

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10; jail + break

Example Sentences

“We’re not against the people, only the government. The jailbreak is part of our protest.”

From BBC

A few months ago, I met Kanu, the 57-year-old rebel leader the police accuse of masterminding the jailbreak, in Patna, Bihar’s chaotic capital.

From BBC

Most of the cases stem from the jailbreak, including that of the murder of Sharma.

From BBC

On the night of 13 November 2005, 389 prisoners, including many rebels, escaped from Jehanabad prison in what became India's - and possibly Asia's - largest jailbreak.

From BBC

In 2005, Kanu escaped during the infamous jailbreak.

From BBC