to cut, notch, slice, chop, or sever (something) with or as with heavy, irregular blows (often fol. by up or down )

to hack meat; to hack down trees.

to break up the surface of (the ground).

to clear (a road, path, etc.) by cutting away vines, trees, brush, or the like

They hacked a trail through the jungle.

to damage or injure by crude, harsh, or insensitive treatment; mutilate; mangle

The editor hacked the story to bits.

to reduce or cut ruthlessly; trim

The Senate hacked the budget severely before returning it to the House.

Slang . to deal or cope with; handle

He can't hack all this commuting.

Computers . to devise or modify (a computer program), usually skillfully.

Basketball . to strike the arm of (an opposing ball handler)

He got a penalty for hacking the shooter.

British . to kick or kick at the shins of (an opposing player) in Rugby football.

South Midland and Southern U.S. to embarrass, annoy, or disconcert.

to make rough cuts or notches; deal cutting blows.

to cough harshly, usually in short and repeated spasms.

Tennis .

to take a poor, ineffective, or awkward swing at the ball.

to play tennis at a mediocre level.

British . to kick or kick at an opponent's shins in Rugby football.

a cut, gash, or notch.

a tool, as an ax, hoe, or pick, for hacking.

an act or instance of hacking; a cutting blow.

a short, rasping dry cough.

a hesitation in speech.

Curling . an indentation made in the ice at the foot score, for supporting the foot in delivering the stone.

British . a gash in the skin produced by a kick, as in Rugby football. ?

hack around, Slang . to pass the time idly; indulge in idle talk. ?

hack it

Slang . to handle or cope with a situation or an assignment adequately and calmly

The new recruit just can't hack it.

noun

drudge * , greasy grind , grind * , hireling , lackey * , old pro , plodder , pro * , servant , slave , workhorse , cab , carriage , coach , hackney , taxi , vehicle , chop , clip , fell , gash , hackle , hew , lacerate , mangle , mutilate , notch , slash , whack