# brute-force attack

CEFR C1 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/brute-force-attack
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

a way of breaking into a computer system by trying every possible password until the right one is found. It is like trying every key on a huge ring to open a door.

For teachers: a cryptographic hack that relies on systematic trial and error to guess a password or encryption key. It involves an automated script testing every possible character combination until access is granted.

## Examples

- The server blocked the brute-force attack after ten failed login attempts.
- To prevent a brute-force attack, the website requires users to solve a puzzle after three incorrect passwords.
- While a brute-force attack is theoretically guaranteed to succeed eventually, modern encryption makes the time required to test every permutation practically impossible for standard hardware.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the verbs 'launch', 'perform', or 'mitigate'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.