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
Land prices are up from historic norms, building material is more expensive and federal crackdowns on immigration are creating worker challenges, experts said. Josh Salman, Miami Herald, 4 Aug. 2025 The labor force has stopped growing in recent months amid Trump’s immigration crackdown. Jason Ma, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2025
Verb
If the government cracks down on how care is authorized and reimbursed, if whistleblower cases uncover deeper abuses, or if investors lose trust in Optum’s structure entirely, then UnitedHealth becomes less of a cash machine and more of a litigation risk. Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2025 Trump has also cracked down on what was known as the de minimis exemption, which exempted small shipments valued at $800 or less from customs duties and declarations. Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 1 Aug. 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 19 Aug. 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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