phreak

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

A person who engages in phone phreaking.

Register: dated, slang

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

Phreaks can max-out 911 systems just by siccing a bunch of computer-modems on them in tandem, dialling them over and over until they clog.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “phreak” mean?

A person who engages in phone phreaking.

Is “phreak” formal or informal?

phreak is generally dated, slang.