root
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To get root or privileged access on (a computer system or mobile phone), often through bypassing some security mechanism.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
We rooted his box and planted a virus on it.
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 “root” mean?
To get root or privileged access on (a computer system or mobile phone), often through bypassing some security mechanism.
Is “root” formal or informal?
root is generally slang.