crack

Definitions

• (intransitive) To form cracks.
• (intransitive) To break apart under pressure.
• (intransitive) To become debilitated by psychological pressure.
• (intransitive) To break down or yield, especially under interrogation or torture.
• (intransitive) To make a cracking sound.
• (intransitive) To change rapidly in register.
• (intransitive) To alternate between high and low register in the process of eventually lowering.
• (intransitive) To make a sharply humorous comment.
• (transitive) To make a crack or cracks in.
• (transitive) To break open or crush to small pieces by impact or stress.
• (transitive) To strike forcefully.
• (transitive) To open slightly.
• (transitive) To cause to yield under interrogation or other pressure. (Figurative)
• (transitive) To solve a difficult problem. Figurative, from cracking a nut.
• (transitive) To overcome a security system or a component.
• (transitive) To cause to make a sharp sound.
• (transitive) To tell (a joke).
• (transitive) To break down (a complex molecule), especially with the application of heat: to pyrolyse.
• (transitive) To circumvent software restrictions such as regional coding or time limits.
• (transitive) To open a canned beverage, or any packaged drink or food.
• (obsolete) To brag, boast.
• (archaic) To be ruined or impaired; to fail.