crack down

verb

1. to take severe measures (against); become stricter (with)

noun

1. severe or repressive measures

Idioms and Phrases

Act more forcefully to regulate, repress, or restrain. For example, The police cracked down on speeding . [1930s]

Example Sentences

The stand-off follows a government decision to crack down on an industry that has spiralled out of control, with mafia-like gangs running it.

From BBC

Regulators have in recent years cracked down on the power of the biggest tech companies.

From New York Times

But Rob Jones, director of operations at the NCA, says cracking down on the trade is complex - and even more difficult than policing the movement of illegal drugs.

From BBC

But the sense of disorder created by open drug use and street camping has prompted an increasing number of cities to crack down on homeless people with more laws that allow removing and arresting them.

From Los Angeles Times

Before the election, some diplomats speculated that an outgoing Biden, unshackled by by political considerations, might crack down on Israel, including its killing of civilians and blocking of humanitarian aid.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• confine
• constrain
• curb
• curtail
• detain
• deter
• govern
• hamper
• hinder
• inhibit
• keep down
• kill
• limit
• prevent
• repress
• restrict
• subdue
• suppress