Hard Fork

idiom

Meaning

A protocol change that is incompatible with previous versions, often splitting off a separate blockchain.

Origin

disputed origin

Hard signals that adopting the new rules is mandatory.

Examples

SIMPLE

The community split after the hard fork.

CONTEXTUAL

Bitcoin Cash was created through a hard fork of the original Bitcoin blockchain.

COMPLEX

Because a hard fork is not backward-compatible, every node must upgrade or be stranded on an abandoned chain.

Last updated July 19, 2026