Safecracker Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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safecracker
[ˈseɪfˌkrækər ]
Definition
criminal activity
A safecracker is a person who specializes in breaking into safes and vaults to steal their contents. They often use a combination of skills, including knowledge of lock mechanisms, drilling techniques, and other specialized tools to gain access. Safecracking is typically illegal and associated with criminal behavior.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The police caught the notorious safecracker in the act.
- He was a skilled safecracker who had never been caught before.
- The museum hired security experts to prevent safecrackers from breaking in.
Translations
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Origin of 'safecracker'
The term 'safecracker' dates back to the early 20th century when the art of cracking safes became a notable skill among criminals. Originally, safes were designed to be impenetrable, with intricate locking mechanisms. As safes evolved, so did the techniques used by safecrackers. These individuals often had backgrounds in mechanics or engineering, allowing them to exploit weaknesses in the design of safes. The term combines 'safe,' referring to the secure storage device, and 'cracker,' denoting someone who breaks into or bypasses security systems. While safecracking has been romanticized in films and literature as a daring heist skill, in reality, it is a crime that has led to significant legal consequences for those caught in the act.