brute force

Wikipedia

English

Alternative forms

• brute-force

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA: /bɹut ˈfɔɹs/

Noun

brute force (uncountable)

1. A method of accomplishing something primarily by means of strength, without the use of mechanical aids or, in combat, without strategic planning or tactics.
2. (computer science) A method of computation wherein all permutations of a problem are tried manually until one is found that provides a solution, in contrast to the implementation of a more intelligent algorithm.

   E.g. to find the set of all positive integers that are multiples of seven, a brute force algorithm would search through all positive integers, checking each one to see if it is a multiple of seven, whereas a more intelligent algorithm might simply multiply the set of all positive integers by seven.

Usage notes

• Not used with an article.

  We lifted the car by brute force.