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

Synonyms of crackdown

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Verb

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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
In an ensuing crackdown, tens of thousands were detained, with many beaten by police. — ABC News, 2 July 2026 Immigration crackdowns, high cost-of-living, economic uncertainty, and a volatile political climate are pushing more to look overseas. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 2 July 2026
Verb
And law enforcement agencies are cracking down. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026 Some groups are known to be involved in the drug trade currently and in the past, but others also have sought to crack down on narcotics. — ABC News, 26 June 2026 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

Rhymes for crackdown

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Browse Nearby Words

crackbrained
crackdown
crack down
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Cite this Entry

“Crackdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crackdown. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of crackdown for Spanish Speakers

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