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bot

n. · v.
US //ˈbɔt// bot
  1. 1 automated software (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    a computer program that performs repetitive tasks automatically, often pretending to be a human user.

    an autonomous or semi-autonomous software agent designed to execute repetitive tasks, frequently within a network environment.

    Example

    The website uses a bot to answer simple customer questions in the chat.

    Example

    Security experts identified a network of malicious bots designed to overwhelm the server with fake traffic during the holiday sale.

    Usage

    Often used as a suffix in compounds like 'chatbot' or 'spambot'.
  2. 2 video game character (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    a character in a video game that is controlled by the computer instead of a person.

    a computer-controlled non-player character (NPC) in a multiplayer video game that simulates the actions of a human opponent or teammate.

    Example

    I practiced my shooting skills against bots before joining a real match online.

    Example

    The developers improved the enemy bots to make them behave more like strategic human players in the higher difficulty settings.
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  1. 3 physical robot (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    a short way of saying 'robot'.

    a colloquial clipping of 'robot', referring to a physical mechanical entity.

    Example

    The students built a small bot that could navigate through a maze.

    Example

    The laboratory is testing a swarm of miniature bots designed for search and rescue operations in unstable environments.
  2. 4 to use automation (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Computing

    to use a computer program to do work or play a game for you automatically.

    to employ automated scripts or software agents to perform actions, often in a way that violates a platform's terms of service.

    Example

    He was banned from the game because he was caught botting to get more gold.

    Example

    The account was flagged after the system detected it was botting thousands of likes on promotional posts within a few minutes.

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