What does it mean to hack something in a physical context?

In a physical context, to hack something primarily refers to the action of cutting or chopping with repetitive and often irregular strikes. This definition encompasses activities like chopping wood or hacking at a material where a tool is repeatedly brought down, resulting in visible modification or severance of the object being worked on.

This usage derives from a more literal interpretation, where the term embodies a physical action associated with tools, and it paints a clear picture of the mechanics involved in hacking. Understanding this helps in grasping the broader applications of the term across various contexts, particularly in tasks that require manual effort and repeated action.

The other definitions, while valid in different contexts—like skillful deception, sudden outflows, or servility—do not accurately capture the physical aspect that "hack" pertains to in this instance. Hence, the choice that aligns with the physical interpretation is the one that describes the action of cutting or chopping.