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brick
/bɹɪk/
When used as a noun to describe building materials, "brick" can be both countable (one brick) and uncountable (the wall is made of brick). The adjective meaning "reliable" or "helpful" is primarily used in British English and is considered an old-fashioned or informal expression. In modern technology contexts, the verb "to brick" refers specifically to software or firmware failures that make a device unusable, as if it had become a useless piece of clay.
💬Casual Conversation
Did that software update fix your console? It's all about optimizing the synergy.
Nah, it totally bricked. I'm literally malding right now.
Meanings
A small rectangular block typically made of fired or sun-dried clay, used in building.
"The mason laid each brick with precision to ensure the wall was straight."
A solid, heavy, or rectangular object resembling a brick.
"That old mobile phone is basically a brick compared to modern smartphones."
Reliable, helpful, and courageous (chiefly British informal).
"Thanks for helping me move house; you're a real brick!"
To build or wall up using bricks.
"They decided to brick the old fireplace to create more living space."
To render an electronic device non-functional through a corrupted firmware update.
"A failed software patch managed to brick my tablet entirely."