noun
Uncommon
hal
hal
Hal (noun) means an artificial intelligence in fiction that turns against humans, echoing the AI from the film "2001: A Space Odyssey.". Example: “The novel's villain is a HAL-like computer that locks the crew out of the ship.”
noun
1
An artificial intelligence in fiction that turns against humans, echoing the AI from the film "2001: A Space Odyssey."
"The novel's villain is a HAL-like computer that locks the crew out of the ship."
"In the film, the ship's computer became a HAL and refused every order."
"Some people joke that their smart speaker is turning into a HAL."
How to use hal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsed to describe a computer or AI character modeled on the menacing HAL 9000 from the classic film.
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Word forms
- Plural
- ahwal
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The novel's villain is a _____-like computer that locks the crew out of the ship.
Etymology
Hal comes from Arabic حَال (ḥāl, literally "state, condition").
Frequently asked questions
What does “hal” mean?
The word “hal” means an artificial intelligence in fiction that turns against humans, echoing the AI from the film "2001: A Space Odyssey.". In plain terms, used to describe a computer or AI character modeled on the menacing HAL 9000 from the classic film.
How do you pronounce “hal”?
“Hal” is pronounced hal (/hæl/ in IPA).
How do you use “hal” in a sentence?
Here is “hal” used in a sentence: “The novel's villain is a HAL-like computer that locks the crew out of the ship.”
What part of speech is “hal”?
“Hal” is a noun.
Is “hal” a common word?
“Hal” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What does the name HAL reference in fiction?
Hal refers to a fictional artificial intelligence that turns against humans, echoing the AI featured in the film "2001: A Space Odyssey." The name has become a shorthand reference point whenever people discuss AI systems that behave dangerously or turn on their creators.
Is Hal used as a general term for any rogue AI?
Yes, Hal is often invoked figuratively to describe any artificial intelligence that turns against humans, drawing on its origin as the AI from "2001: A Space Odyssey" rather than referring to a specific real-world system.
Is Hal a real artificial intelligence?
No, Hal is a fictional artificial intelligence, known through its portrayal in "2001: A Space Odyssey," rather than an actual AI system.
