cyberspace
gb/sˈaɪbɚspˌeɪs/ us/sˈaɪbɚspˌeɪs/
B2
English
~ 9100
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
entity
1
the online world of networks
The online world made by computers and the internet, where people talk, share information, and do things using digital devices.
Usage pattern:
[someone] spends time in cyberspace
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes treat "cyberspace" as a normal physical place and say things like *"go to the cyberspace"*. Usually, we say "in cyberspace" without an article, because it is understood as a single global environment. Learners also sometimes think it means exactly the same as "internet"; in practice they overlap, but "cyberspace" is more about the online environment and activities, not the hardware or cables.
Synonyms
the internet (Often used interchangeably in everyday speech, but "cyberspace" focuses more on the online environment and activities, not the physical network itself.)
|
online world (Very close in meaning; slightly more informal and everyday than "cyberspace".)
|
digital realm (More literary or dramatic; emphasizes the non-physical, virtual nature of cyberspace.)
Antonyms
physical world (Highlights the opposite of the virtual, computer-based environment of cyberspace.)
|
offline world (Focuses on life and activities that do not involve computers or the internet.)
Collocations
in cyberspace
|explore cyberspace
|spend time in cyberspace
|cyberspace community
|cyberspace users
|cyberspace culture
Themes
technology
|internet
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Teenagers today spend a huge part of their lives in cyberspace.
- Her new job exists completely in cyberspace; she never goes to an office.
- The novel imagines a future where people can upload their minds to cyberspace.
- Businesses use cyberspace to reach customers all over the world.
- Debates about privacy in cyberspace are becoming more intense.
Learner examples
- Many people make friends in cyberspace.
- You can learn new skills in cyberspace.
- Some people feel safer in cyberspace than in real life.
- In cyberspace, you can talk to people from every country.
- Children should be careful when they share information in cyberspace.
Noun
technical
C1
entity
2
digital domain for cyber operations
The online network space that governments and armies treat as a place where they can attack or defend using computers.
Usage pattern:
[someone] conducts operations in cyberspace
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this technical sense with the everyday idea of people just chatting or playing games online. In military or policy texts, "cyberspace" is treated like "land" or "sea"—a formal domain for operations—rather than simply the social online world.
Synonyms
cyber domain (Common in military and policy writing; slightly more formal and abstract than "cyberspace".)
|
digital battlespace (Specialized and metaphorical; focuses on cyberspace specifically as a place of conflict.)
Antonyms
physical battlefield (Contrasts traditional, physical areas of conflict with the non-physical domain of cyberspace.)
Collocations
cyberspace operations
|cyberspace domain
|cyberspace security
|cyberspace warfare
|cyberspace command
|defend cyberspace
Themes
technology
|security
|politics
|law
Examples
- The report warns that future wars will be fought not only on land, at sea, and in the air, but also in cyberspace.
- NATO has officially recognized cyberspace as an operational domain alongside air, land, and sea.
- The new unit is responsible for defending national infrastructure in cyberspace.
- Countries are investing heavily in capabilities to launch offensive operations in cyberspace.
- Legal experts debate how international law applies to acts of war carried out in cyberspace.
Learner examples
- Many countries now see cyberspace as an important battlefield.
- The army created a special team to protect the country in cyberspace.
- Attacks in cyberspace can damage power and water systems.
- Leaders discussed new rules for war in cyberspace.
- Soldiers in cyberspace use computers instead of guns.
Grammar
Dictionary form
cyberspace
IPA
GB/sˈaɪbɚspˌeɪs/
US/sˈaɪbɚspˌeɪs/
Syllables & stress
cy - ber - space (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (cy)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: cyberspace
- Plural: cyberspace
Word family
Core family
Related words
cyberattack
noun
cyberbullying
noun
cybercriminal
noun
Advanced or less common
cyberwarfare
noun
cyberterrorism
noun
Expressions
enter cyberspace
1/ˈɛntɚ sˈaɪbɚspˌeɪs/
fixed phrase
start using the online world
To start using the internet or to go online, especially for the first time or in a new way.
Examples
- Many small businesses are now entering cyberspace to reach new customers.
- The project helps older people enter cyberspace safely and confidently.
- The company entered cyberspace with an online store and social media channels.
escape into cyberspace
1/ɪskˈeɪp ˈɪntu sˈaɪbɚspˌeɪs/
fixed phrase
avoid reality by going online
To avoid real-life problems or feelings by spending a lot of time on the internet.
Examples
- After work he likes to escape into cyberspace and forget about his stress.
- Some teenagers escape into cyberspace instead of talking about their problems.
- She escaped into cyberspace, playing games for hours every night.
in cyberspace
1/ˈɪn sˈaɪbɚspˌeɪs/
fixed phrase
existing or happening online
On the internet; happening in the online world, not in the physical world.
Examples
- Most of their relationship exists only in cyberspace, not in real life.
- The new law tries to control what happens in cyberspace.
- Artists are finding new audiences in cyberspace.
lost in cyberspace
1/lˈɔst ˈɪn sˈaɪbɚspˌeɪs/
idiom
informal
confused or overwhelmed online
To feel confused or unable to find what you need when you use the internet or online systems.
Examples
- I tried to file my taxes online and got completely lost in cyberspace.
- New users often feel lost in cyberspace when they first join social media.
- Without clear instructions, many students will be lost in cyberspace during the online course.