ENGLISH
REFERENCE

backdoor

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈbækˌdɔɹ// UK //bˈækdɔː// back·door

n. a secret or hidden way to enter a building or a computer system. It can also mean a way to achieve something by avoiding the usual rules.

n. a secondary entrance at the rear of a building, or a hidden method for bypassing normal authentication in a computer system. Often used metaphorically to describe achieving an objective through indirect or unofficial channels.


SIMPLE

The delivery driver used the backdoor to enter the kitchen.

CONTEXTUAL

Hackers exploited a backdoor in the software to access sensitive customer data without being detected.

COMPLEX

While the official policy prohibited such hires, the manager found a backdoor through a temporary consulting contract to bring the specialist onto the team immediately.

Origin

From back + door.

Usage

Often used as a compound noun or as an attributive noun in phrases like 'backdoor deal' or 'backdoor entry'.

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