crackdown — severe or stern enforcement of regulations or laws
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: severe or stern enforcement of regulations or laws
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkrækdaʊn/
Example Sentences
- The university's crackdown on cheating made students actually start studying for the first time in years.
- After the crackdown on noise complaints, the neighborhood became so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
- The company's crackdown on personal phone use during work hours increased productivity significantly.
crackdown
NOUN[/ˈkrækdaʊn/]
severe or stern enforcement of regulations or laws
Police launched a sudden crackdown on illegal street racing downtown.
When the countdown ends, crackdown causes breakdown!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
A compound word that emerged in the 1930s, combining 'crack' (to strike forcefully, to break) and 'down' (downward, completely). The phrase evolved from its literal sense of 'striking down forcefully' to its modern meaning of 'rigorous enforcement' or 'severe suppression.'
Breakdown
crack (to strike, to break) + down (downward, thoroughly) = a forceful suppression or strict enforcement action, typically referring to official measures against illegal or undesirable activities.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The university's crackdown on cheating made students actually start studying for the first time in years.”
“After the crackdown on noise complaints, the neighborhood became so quiet you could hear a pin drop.”
“The company's crackdown on personal phone use during work hours increased productivity significantly.”
“The social media crackdown on fake news has been met with mixed reactions from users.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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