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

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
And the strategy doesn’t just start with the crackdown. Rod Adams, Essence, 25 May 2025 Green card holders, legal permanent residents of the United States, have faced increasing uncertainty under President Donald Trump's administration and his crackdown on immigration, with reports of some being detained at airports or during immigration checks and others facing possible deportation. Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
Verb
The Trump administration has also cracked down on foreign nationals allegedly linked directly or indirectly to drug cartels. Erick Beltrán, CNN Money, 24 May 2025 Noem’s request also demands audio or visual evidence of international students participating in protests on campus, as the administration has moved to crack down on pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses. Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Crackdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crackdown. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

crack down

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

More from Merriam-Webster on crackdown

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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