Crackdown
/ˈkrækˌdaʊn/
nounB2
Definition
A crackdown means when a government, police, or other authority uses strong and strict actions to stop people from doing things that are against the law or rules. It usually happens quickly and seriously to control a problem or bad behavior.
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See It in Action
Strong official action to stop illegal or bad behavior
- •The government launched a crackdown on illegal parking in the city center.
- •Police made a crackdown on drug dealers last weekend.
- •There was a crackdown on noise after 10 p.m. in the neighborhood.
Strict enforcement of rules or laws
- •The school announced a crackdown on cheating during exams.
- •The company started a crackdown on employees who arrive late.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "crackdown" like "stop" but much stronger and more serious—like a big "no" with rules and punishments
- ✓Picture a police officer suddenly closing a street where people are breaking the law, stopping everything quickly
- ✓It's the feeling when a teacher suddenly decides to punish everyone for cheating to stop it fast
- ✓Sounds like "CRACK down" → imagine cracking a hard shell to break it open and stop something inside
- ✓Think of stories where a city leader orders a crackdown on crime to make the streets safe again
- ✓NOT like "warning" (just telling people to be careful)—a crackdown means strong action to stop bad things now
- ✓NOT like "slow change"—a crackdown is fast and strict, not gentle or slow
- ✓NOT like "protest" (people asking for change)—a crackdown is the opposite, controlling or stopping actions
Try Other Words
- •Raid: a sudden attack or visit by police to catch criminals (Use when the action involves searching or arresting people)
- •Ban: an official rule to stop something completely (Use when stopping something by making it illegal or forbidden)
- •Enforcement: the act of making people follow rules or laws (Use when focusing on making rules work, not just stopping bad behavior)
- •Restriction: a rule that limits what people can do (Use when the action involves limiting freedom but not always punishment)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "crack" + "down" — "crack" means to break or hit hard, "down" means toward a lower position or stopping something
- •Etymology: English origin, combining "crack" (to break or hit strongly) and "down" (to bring or push down)
- •Historical development: Used since the 20th century to describe strong actions by authorities to stop bad behavior quickly
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in news and everyday language to describe police or government actions against crime or rule-breaking
Reflect & Connect
•How does a crackdown affect people who follow the rules versus those who break them?
•Can a crackdown sometimes cause problems or make people feel unfairly treated? How?
Fill in the blanks
1.The police started a crackdown because many people were ___ the law in that area.
2.A crackdown usually happens ___ and with strong rules to stop bad behavior quickly.
3.Unlike a warning, a crackdown means authorities will ___ people who do wrong.
4.During a crackdown on smoking, the government may ___ fines or punishments.
5.A crackdown is often necessary when small problems ___ into bigger ones.
6.The school’s crackdown on cheating helped students ___ honest during exams.
7.When there is a crackdown, people can ___ that authorities are serious about stopping bad actions.