crackdown

1 of 2

noun

crack·​down ˈkrak-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce crackdown (audio)
: an act or instance of cracking down

crack down

2 of 2

verb

cracked down; cracking down; cracks down

intransitive verb

: to take positive regulatory or disciplinary action

Synonyms of crackdown

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Verb

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Examples of crackdown in a Sentence

Noun Companies that pollute are the target of a new crackdown. Verb a repressive government that cracked down on political demonstrations
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Owens said results from these crackdowns will be felt swiftly, as early as October. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026 The vessel has been sanctioned by multiple countries as part of the crackdown on the shadow fleet of tankers used by Russia to circumvent sanctions and transport and sell oil around the world. — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
Citing national security interests, the authorities have used increasingly stringent wartime censorship laws to crack down on those opposed to the conflict, prompting many activists and independent media outlets to leave the country. — Reuters, NBC news, 10 Aug. 2026 The proposal arrives as the FCC has been cracking down even further to block DJI drones, including products equipped with LiDAR sensors. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for crackdown

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1935, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1939, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crackdown was in 1935

Rhymes for crackdown

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Browse Nearby Words

crackbrained
crackdown
crack down
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Cite this Entry

“Crackdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crackdown. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

crack down

verb
ˈkrak-ˈdau̇n
: to take strong action especially to control or put down
crack down on crime
crackdown
-ˌdau̇n
noun

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