Definitions

crack down

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compel v.
enforce v.
restrain v.
stifle v.

VERB

compel

Synonyms

STRONGEST

constrain enforce exact impel necessitate oblige urge

STRONG

bulldoze coerce concuss dragoon drive hustle make restrain squeeze

WEAK

make necessary put the arm on put the chill on shotgun throw weight around turn on the heat

Antonyms

STRONGEST

dissuade

STRONG

discourage halt leave alone stop

WEAK

block check delay deter hinder impede obstruct

VERB

enforce

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accomplish administer apply carry out implement impose invoke prosecute reinforce require sanction

STRONG

administrate coerce commandeer compel constrain demand dictate discharge dragoon drive effect emphasize exact execute exert expect extort fortify fulfill goad hound impel incite lash make necessitate oblige perform press spur strain stress strong-arm support urge whip wrest

WEAK

egg on force upon insist on lean on put into effect put screws to

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cease halt not finish refuse stop

STRONG

check delay deter disapprove discourage dissuade fail forget give ignore leave alone let go lose miss neglect prevent release repress

WEAK

abandon disregard drop forego give up overlook

VERB

restrain

Synonyms

STRONGEST

confine constrain control curb curtail detain deter govern hamper hinder inhibit keep down kill limit prevent repress restrict subdue suppress

STRONG

arrest bind bridle chain check circumscribe contain control cool cork debar delimit direct fetter gag guide harness hold impound imprison jail keep manacle muzzle pinion proscribe stay

WEAK

bottle up box up choke back hem in hogtie keep in line lock up pull back sit on tie down tie up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid allow assist encourage free help let go liberate permit promote release start turn on

STRONG

abandon forsake give up leave loose loosen misguide mislead neglect set free

VERB

stifle

Synonyms

STRONGEST

curb muzzle repress silence smother squelch strangle suffocate suppress

STRONG

asphyxiate burke check choke constipate cork extinguish gag hush kill muffle spike squash stagnate stop stultify torpedo trammel

WEAK

black out bring to screeching halt choke back clam up clamp down cover up dry up hold it down hush up put the lid on shut up sit on

Antonyms

STRONGEST

allow encourage free let go loose release

STRONG

aid assist bear begin create help start

WEAK

persuade

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

crack down

Shares of Amazon.com were falling 3% on Monday following news that the Federal Trade Commission is looking to crack down on the company’s lucrative digital-advertising business.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 31, 2026

As universities crack down on AI, extreme monitoring policies and false accusations are fueling a deep mistrust between professors and students.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 27, 2026

The United Arab Emirates, long Tehran’s gateway to global commerce and finance, has pledged to crack down.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 20, 2026

The commissioner called for media regulator Ofcom to take its responsibilities "seriously" and crack down on companies allowing inappropriate material to be on their sites.

From BBC ● Aug. 18, 2026

Police were instructed to crack down on drivers, stopping them and questioning them at every opportunity.

From "Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice" by Phillip Hoose

crack down

Example Sentences

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