formal 3K

Crackdown

UK //ˈkrækˌdaʊn// US //ˈkrækˌdaʊn// Pronunciation

Definition

A severe or strict action taken to stop undesirable behavior or impose control.

Listen to definition

In simple words: A strict action to stop something bad.

Examples

• The government announced a crackdown on tax evasion.
• Last year, there was a crackdown on illegal drug use in schools.
• The police initiated a crackdown to reduce street violence.
• A crackdown on corrupt practices was promised by the new administration.
• Citizens welcomed the crackdown on environmental violations by businesses.

Usage notes

Used in formal contexts, often in discussions about law enforcement or government actions. Not typically used in casual conversation.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a criminal being cracked down upon like a nut being crushed.

Collocations

• government crackdown
• effective crackdown
• major crackdown
• police crackdown
• crackdown on crime

Synonyms

• repression
• suppression
• crack
• intervention
• sanction

Common mistakes

• Confusing with 'crackdown on' which means to take action against something.
• Using it as a verb instead of a noun.
• Assuming it only refers to police actions, not considering other contexts.