hacker

A hacker is a skilled computer programmer who uses her abilities to break into the computer systems of companies or organizations.

While most people imagine a hacker as a bad guy who steals credit card information, destroys data, or is otherwise malicious and destructive, some hackers break into systems simply to test their security. There are so many hackers today that they've formed a true community and subculture. The earliest use of hacker is from 1983, from hack as "person hired to do routine work," although MIT students in the 1960's reportedly used the word hack to mean "creative prank."

Definitions of hacker
  1. noun
    a programmer who breaks into computer systems in order to steal or change or destroy information as a form of cyber-terrorism
    synonyms: cyber-terrorist, cyberpunk
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    type of:
    coder, computer programmer, programmer, software engineer
    a person who designs and writes and tests computer programs
    terrorist
    a radical who employs terror as a political weapon; usually organizes with other terrorists in small cells; often uses religion as a cover for terrorist activities
  2. noun
    a programmer for whom computing is its own reward; may enjoy the challenge of breaking into other computers but does no harm
    “true hackers subscribe to a code of ethics and look down upon crackers”
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    type of:
    coder, computer programmer, programmer, software engineer
    a person who designs and writes and tests computer programs
  3. noun
    someone who plays golf poorly
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    type of:
    golf player, golfer, linksman
    someone who plays the game of golf
  4. noun
    one who works hard at boring tasks
    synonyms: drone, drudge, flunky, hack
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    types:
    plodder, slogger
    someone who works slowly and monotonously for long hours
    type of:
    unskilled person
    a person who lacks technical training
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