brute force meaning: definition, quotations

brute force

noun

UK /bɹuːt ˈfɔːs/ · US /bɹut ˈfɔɹs/

A method of accomplishing something primarily by means of strength, without the use of great skill, mechanical aids or thought.

We lifted the car by brute force.
Chloe pulled the leaflet out of Annabelle’s hand. There were some advantages to being the older sister; sometimes you could use brute force.2009 October 29, David Walliams [pseudonym; David Edward Williams], Mr Stink, London: HarperCollins Children’s Books, →ISBN:

Computer, Computing, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Science, Sciences A method of computation wherein the computer is let to try all permutations of a problem until one is found that provides a solution, in contrast to the implementation of a more intelligent algorithm.

Related terms: brute strength, trial and error, Military incompetence

brute force

verb

To solve (a computational problem) by brute force.

"In trying to solve the problem in this simplified space, it does different things than it did when it was brute forcing its way through the original space."1960, Scott Cameron, Marshall Clinton Yovits, Self-organizing Systems: Proceedings - Page 187:

Computing, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Sciences To break a password, encryption, or any other protection mechanism by brute force.

Related terms: shotgun approach, brute de forge