crackdown

1 of 2

noun

crack·​down ˈkrak-ˌdau̇n 

: 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

Verb

• quell
• suppress
• subdue
• sit on
• clamp down (on)

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

Noun

The conflict comes on the heels of widespread anti-government protests in Iran that erupted in December 2025 and were met with brutal crackdowns by the government that left thousands dead. —Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 5 Mar. 2026

The January crackdown, in which security forces reportedly killed and detained tens of thousands during nationwide protests, severely damaged what little public trust remained. —Pegah Banihashemi, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2026

Verb

United Airlines is cracking down on loud and potentially bothersome electronics. —Ayesha Ali, ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026

In Utah Territory the US government cracked down on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its impressive theocracy, seeking to quell religious dissent. —Literary Hub, 4 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1935, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1939, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for crackdown

• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown
• godown
• hometown
• knockdown

Kids Definition

crack down

verb

ˈkrak-ˈdau̇n

: to take strong action especially to control or put down

crack down on crime

crackdown

-ˌdau̇n

noun