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Carjack: meaning, definitions and examples

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carjack

 

[ ˈkɑrˌdʒæk ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

theft situation

To carjack means to steal a vehicle from its owner, usually through the use of force or intimidation. This crime involves either forcibly removing the driver and taking the car or threatening them to hand over their keys. Carjacking is often performed at gunpoint or with the threat of violence, and it typically occurs in public places or when a vehicle is stopped at traffic lights. The act of carjacking can lead to serious legal consequences and is considered a violent crime in many jurisdictions.

Synonyms

auto theft, car theft, vehicle theft

Examples of usage

  • The suspect attempted to carjack a vehicle at the intersection.
  • She was traumatized after being carjacked in broad daylight.
  • Carjacking incidents have increased in urban areas.
  • Police are warning residents to be vigilant against carjackers.

Translations

Translations of the word "carjack" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sequestro de carro

🇮🇳 कार चोरी

🇩🇪 Autodiebstahl

🇮🇩 pencurian mobil

🇺🇦 угон автомобіля

🇵🇱 kradzież samochodu

🇯🇵 車の強奪

🇫🇷 vol de voiture

🇪🇸 robo de coche

🇹🇷 araba soygunu

🇰🇷 차량 절도

🇸🇦 سرقة سيارة

🇨🇿 krádež auta

🇸🇰 krádež auta

🇨🇳 劫车

🇸🇮 rop avtomobila

🇮🇸 bílastur

🇰🇿 автокөлік ұрлау

🇬🇪 ავტოსატვირთავი

🇦🇿 maşın oğurluğu

🇲🇽 robo de auto

Etymology

The term 'carjack' emerged in the United States in the 1990s, combining 'car' (which has its roots in the Latin word 'carrus', meaning a wheeled vehicle) and 'jack', a slang term that can mean to steal or take by force. The proliferation of carjackings coincided with the rise in automobile ownership and the corresponding need for effective automobile security measures. Initially, the word was used primarily in urban areas where car thefts became rampant, often linked to street gang activities. As the term gained popularity, it became associated with not just the act of stealing a car, but the violent circumstances often surrounding these crimes. Over the years, carjacking has been depicted in various media, further embedding the term into popular culture and raising public awareness regarding vehicle safety and crime prevention.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,249, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.