Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

cyberpunk

noun
/ˈsaɪbərˌpʌŋk/
Definition
Cyberpunk refers to a subgenre of science fiction that features advanced technology and cybernetics, set against a backdrop of societal breakdown or dystopia.
Examples
  • The book ‘Neuromancer’ is a classic example of cyberpunk literature.
  • Many cyberpunk films showcase a gritty urban environment filled with neon lights.
  • The game’s aesthetic draws heavily from cyberpunk themes.
Meaning
The term cyberpunk combines ‘cyber’ (related to computers and data) and ‘punk’ (representing rebel or counterculture). It often includes themes of hackers, artificial intelligence, and megacorporations.
Synonyms
  • tech noir
  • post-cyberpunk
  • dystopian fiction