Definition of: crack

(krak) v.t.
1. To produce fissures or seams in; break open partially or completely.
2. To cause to give forth a short, sharp sound: to crack a whip.
3. To break with such a sound.
4. Slang To open in order to drink: to crack a bottle.
5. Colloq. To break into, as a safe or building, in order to rob.
6. To solve, as a puzzle, crime, or code.
7. Slang To tell (a joke).
8. To break or crush mentally, as with sorrow or torture: He cracked the man's spirit.
9. To cause (the voice) to become cracked or hoarse.
10. Colloq. To strike sharply or with a sharp sound: He cracked him on the jaw.
11. To reduce by distillation, as petroleum.
12. Obs. To make a boast.
—v.i.
13. To split or break, especially with suddenness.
14. To make a sharp snapping sound, as a whip or pistol; break with such a sound.
15. Of the voice, to become hoarse or change tone.
16. To become impaired or broken, as the spirit or will.
17. Slang To fall back or behind; fail: said of racehorses.
18. Archaic To talk boastfully.
—cracked up to be Colloq. Reputed or believed to be.
—to crack a book U.S. Slang To open, as a textbook, and read or study.
—to crack a smile Slang To smile.
—to crack down Colloq. To take severe repressive measures: with on or upon
— to crack hardy Austral. Slang To put on a bold front in the face of trouble.
—to crack on
1. Naut. To crowd on sail.
2. To travel at high speed.
—to crack up Colloq.
1. To smash or destroy, as an airplane or automobile; also, to be in an automobile or airplane accident.
2. To have a breakdown, nervous or physical.
—to crack wise U.S. Slang To wise-crack.
—noun
1. An incomplete separation into two or more parts with or without a noticeable space between; a fissure; split; chink.
2. The narrow space between two boards, especially in a floor.
3. A sudden sharp or loud sound; report, as of a pistol or rifle.
4. A blow that resounds: He hit him a crack.
5. A mental or physical defect or imperfection; flaw.
6. Colloq. One of high skill or excellence in a certain line; the best: All the cracks were entered for that race.
7. A peculiar sound or tone of the voice, as when changing at puberty or weakened by age.
8. Colloq. A witty or sarcastic remark; a pun.
9. Slang A burglar; also, a burglary.
10. A moment; an exact instant; the duration of a crack: the crack of dawn.
11. Scot. A familiar chat.
—adjective Colloq. Of superior excellence; first-class. [OE cracian]