verb

dox

doks

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Dox (verb) means to publish someone's private personal information online without their consent, typically their home address, workplace, phone number or real name, so that others can harass them. Example: “The moderator was doxed after banning a group of users.”

verb

To publish someone's private personal information online without their consent, typically their home address, workplace, phone number or real name, so that others can harass them.

"The moderator was doxed after banning a group of users."

"Anyone who doxes another member is permanently removed from the forum."

noun

informal The private information itself, released or collected in this way.

"The dox circulated for hours before the site took it down."

How to use dox

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIt means posting someone's private details online so strangers can target them.

When to use it

Informal in origin but now standard in news reporting and platform policies. Both dox and doxx are accepted; doxing and doxxing are both used for the noun and participle.

Memory tip

Doxing describes the act of publishing the details, whether or not anyone acts on them.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

dox → hack → leak →

Common pairings

dox someone get doxed doxing campaign anti-doxing policy

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “dox” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The moderator was _____ after banning a group of users.

Etymology

An alteration of docs, short for documents, from the practice of releasing documents about a person online. Also spelled doxx.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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expose out

Related words

in out off away safe display forth reveal

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between doxing and hacking?

Hacking is gaining unauthorised access to a system or account. Doxing is publishing someone's personal details, and the information is often gathered from public records and social media without any break-in at all.

Is doxing illegal?

It depends on the jurisdiction and what is published. Many places have no offence called doxing but prosecute it under harassment, stalking, data protection or threat laws, and virtually every major platform bans it outright.

Is it spelled dox or doxx?

Both are in use and neither is wrong. Dox and doxing are the more common forms in edited news writing; doxx and doxxing are widespread online.

What is the meaning of dox?

"dox" (verb) means to publish someone's private personal information online without their consent, typically their home address, workplace, phone number or real name, so that others can harass them.

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