bork

1 of 2

verb (1)

ˈbȯrk 

variants or less commonly Bork

borked also Borked; borking also Borking; borks also Borks

transitive verb

US politics, informal

: to attack or defeat (a nominee or candidate for public office) unfairly through an organized campaign of harsh public criticism or vilification

In any event, seeing one of their own being borked may itself energize the conservative base, even beyond what a conservative nomination would do.

—Mark Tushnet

In 1987, conservative judge Robert Bork endured such virulent criticism … that to this day, a nominee sidelined by activists is said to have been "borked."

—Claire Suddath

bork

2 of 2

verb (2)

borked; borking; borks

transitive verb

slang

: to cause (something, such as an electronic device) to stop working properly : break

If your data's backed up, it won't be the end of the world if a rogue Windows update or nasty bit of malware borks your computer.

—Brad Chacos

see also borked

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Over the years, quadcopters have mastered the skies, but not so much the landing: A drone is liable to tip over and bork its rotors on a moderately uneven surface. —Matt Simon, Wired, 1 Dec. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

after Robert Bork †2012 U.S. judge whose nomination to the Supreme Court in 1987 was harshly criticized

Verb (2)

perhaps alteration of break entry 1 by association with bork entry 1

First Known Use

Verb (1)

1987, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

2003, in the meaning defined above