Crowbarred - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

forcefully entered

The term 'crowbarred' refers to the act of using a crowbar, a tool with a curved end, to forcibly pry something open or gain access. This term is often associated with breaking into places or accessing goods in a dramatic or forceful manner. Crowbarred can also imply a sense of urgency or desperation in the action of opening or breaking through. It is generally understood in the context of illegal activities or emergency situations.

Synonyms

breached, forced, pried.

Examples of usage

The thieves crowbarred the back door to get inside.
Emergency responders crowbarred the vehicle door to rescue the trapped driver.
He crowbarred open the crate to see what was inside.
They had to crowbar the old windows to get them open again.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

In movies, 'crowbar' moments are often dramatic scenes where a character forces their will against objections, adding tension to the plot.
Video games, specifically in the action and heist genres, often involve characters using a crowbar as a tool for breaking into secure areas.
The 'crowbar' is notably featured in the Half-Life video game series, symbolizing both violence and necessity in survival situations.

Psychology

Using terms like 'crowbarred' in social situations can highlight a lack of consent, indicating that something was imposed rather than agreed upon.
The metaphor of being 'crowbarred' into a decision reflects peer pressure dynamics, where individuals feel forced into choices.
The term suggests a struggle – the psychology of perceived barriers and the lengths to which people will go to overcome them.

Literature

Writers use 'crowbarred' to portray characters who face obstacles, emphasizing the struggle and determination to achieve goals.
In poetry, forcing emotions or ideas can be likened to 'crowbarred', illustrating themes of conflict and resolution.
The term invites literary analysis on how characters can assert their presence and agency in a narrative.

Technology

In computer science, 'crowbarred' can colloquially describe forcibly inserting code into a system, often with negative implications.
Creative programmers may refer to effective hacks or solutions as crowbarred attempts to illustrate the effort involved in solving a stubborn problem.
The term embodies the practical idea of breaking down barriers, both physically and metaphorically, in tech development.

Origin of 'crowbarred'

Main points about word origin

The term 'crowbar' comes from the combination of the bird 'crow' and the word 'bar', referring to the tool used to pry open objects.
The term 'crowbarred' evolved in the 20th century, often used in contexts where something was forcibly inserted or forced into acceptance.
The word showcases how language can adapt tool names into verbs illustrating their action.

The word 'crowbar' originated from the combination of the word 'crow' and 'bar', likely relating to the shape of the tool that resembles a crow's beak. The tool itself has been in use since the 14th century, designed primarily for prying and lifting. The verb form 'crowbarred' evolved from the noun, indicating the action associated with the tool's use. Over time, the word has taken on connotations of forcefulness, particularly in the context of illegal entry or the need to create access in difficult situations. The imagery of a crowbar being used to break down barriers has made 'crowbar' a vivid term in both everyday and colloquial language, often appearing in literature and media related to crime.

Crowbarred Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations