hack·tiv·ism
| \ ˈhak-ti-ˌvi-zəm
\
\
Definition of hacktivism
: computer hacking (as by infiltration and disruption of a network or website) done to further the goals of political or social activism
Some even speculate that the recent break-in to Microsoft's source code—a serious breach of security—was not industrial espionage but hacktivism. — The San Francisco Chronicle … instruments such as information warfare, cultural manipulation and social media hacktivism being used to achieve foreign policy goals without the use of direct force.— Dominic Nicholls
Other Words from hacktivism
hacktivist
\
ˈhak-ti-vist
\
noun,
plural hacktivists
\
noun,
plural hacktivists
In May, in the wake of NATO air strikes against Yugoslavia, hacktivists defaced several government Web sites with anti-war graffiti.
— Vanity Fair
hacktivist
adjective
Expect hacktivist groups to support revolutions abroad, but also to assist protest movements here at home.
— Amy Goodman
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Cite this Entry
“Hacktivism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hacktivism. Accessed 26 May. 2022.
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Time Traveler for hacktivism
The first known use of hacktivism was in 1992
See more words from the same year