Carjacked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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carjacked
[kÉrËdĘĂŚkt ]
Definition
criminal activity
Carjacked refers to the act of forcibly taking a vehicle from its owner, typically through threats or violence. This term is often used in the context of car theft where the thief uses intimidation or strong-arm tactics to steal the car while the owner is present.
Synonyms
auto theft, car theft, vehicle theft.
Examples of usage
- The man was carjacked at gunpoint in the parking lot.
- She survived being carjacked on her way home from work.
- The police reported an increase in carjacked incidents in the city.
Translations
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Origin of 'carjacked'
The word 'carjack' originated in the United States in the early 1990s. It is a combination of the words 'car' and 'hijack'. The term 'hijack' itself comes from the 1920s, which originally referred to the act of robbing a cargo vehicle, and it is thought to be derived from a slang term 'hi-jack', meaning to seize or take over a vehicle or cargo. As car theft became more prevalent, especially in urban areas, the specific term 'carjacking' emerged to describe this criminal act where a driver is attacked and robbed of their vehicle, often at gunpoint or with the use of intimidation. Carjacking has since become a significant concern for law enforcement agencies and owners alike, leading to discussions around safety measures and legal ramifications.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #42,591, 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.