Sack Definition & Meaning

Definition

Etymology

Examples

Related Words

Synonyms sacked 1 American [sakt] / sækt /

adjective

1. Informal. dismissed or discharged from a job.

   The company was forced to recognize union rights and reinstate the sacked workers.

2. Football. (of the quarterback) tackled behind the line of scrimmage before being able to throw a pass.

   We've all seen it and winced—the sacked quarterback who can't get up.

3. put into a sack or sacks.

   The creek channel is constrained by the sacked concrete used to reinforce both of its banks in the 1950s.

   I let him push the cart with my sacked groceries out to my parked car.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of sack.

sacked 2 American [sakt] / sækt /

adjective

1. destroyed or pillaged, as after capture.

   In the 13th century, Nicaea was a haven for refugees from the sacked city of Constantinople.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of sack.

Etymology

Origin of sacked1

First recorded in 1880–85; 1930–35 sacked 1 for def. 1; sack 1 ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. ) for the adjective senses; sack 1 ( def. ) + -ed 1 ( def. ) for the verb sense

Origin of sacked2

First recorded in 1590–1600; sack 2 ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. ) for the adjective; sack 2 ( def. ) + -ed 1 ( def. ) for the verb

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Pereira had been out of work since being sacked by Wolves in November after a dismal start to this season.

From Barron's

In recent years, numerous coaches have been hired and subsequently sacked for a tactical style they have been unwilling to waver from.

From BBC

Wright said in his witness statement he spoke with John Ross, an ex-police officer sacked for misconduct, who was a "very good tipster" he took to lunch once or twice a year to maintain contact.

From BBC

The Portuguese coach guided Wolves away from the relegation zone last season before being sacked in November after a 10-game winless start to the campaign.

From Barron's

Pereira had been out of work since being sacked by Wolves in November after a dismal start to the season.

From Barron's

Related Words

• broken
• demolished
• devastated
• lost
• ravaged
• ruined
• shattered
• smashed
• wrecked

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.