brick
/bɹɪk/
The word carries a dual sense of stability and stubbornness. In its physical sense, it evokes images of permanence, weight, and architectural rigidity. When applied to a person, it transforms this physical solidity into a moral quality, suggesting someone who is steadfast and dependable under pressure. In the modern digital era, the term has evolved into a technical nightmare. To brick a device is to strip away its intelligence, reducing a complex piece of technology back to the status of a useless, heavy block of clay or plastic. This creates a sharp contrast between the utility of a building brick and the uselessness of a bricked phone.
Countable when referring to individual building blocks. Uncountable when referring to the material as a whole in certain architectural contexts.
💬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."