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

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

Trump campaigned in large part on the idea that cities have become chaotic and unruly and that he could impose more order by cracking down on homeless encampments and open drug use.

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

Much of the business occurred even as Mr. Trump cracked down on illegal immigration.

From New York Times

He has also developed close ties with Giorgia Meloni since she was elected over two years ago on the promise of cracking down on illegal migration.

From BBC

Related Words

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