Carjacker: meaning, definitions and examples

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carjacker

 

[ ˈkɑːrˌdʒækər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

criminal activity

A carjacker is a person who steals a car by force or intimidation, typically from the driver while they are still in the vehicle. This crime often involves threatening the driver with a weapon or using physical violence to gain control of the vehicle. Carjacking is considered a serious offense and is punishable by law.

Synonyms

auto thief, car thief, vehicle robber

Examples of usage

  • She was a victim of a carjacker in broad daylight.
  • The police are increasing patrols to combat carjackers in the area.
  • He managed to escape before the carjacker could grab him.

Translations

Translations of the word "carjacker" in other languages:

🇵🇹 roubador de carros

🇮🇳 कारजैकर

🇩🇪 Auto-Dieb

🇮🇩 pencuri mobil

🇺🇦 викрадач автомобілів

🇵🇱 złodziej samochodów

🇯🇵 車の強盗

🇫🇷 voleur de voiture

🇪🇸 ladrón de coches

🇹🇷 araba hırsızı

🇰🇷 차 도둑

🇸🇦 لص السيارات

🇨🇿 zloděj automobilů

🇸🇰 zloduch áut

🇨🇳 抢车贼

🇸🇮 kradljivec avtomobilov

🇮🇸 bíll þjófur

🇰🇿 автокөлік ұрысы

🇬🇪 ავტომობილების ქურდი

🇦🇿 maşın oğrusu

🇲🇽 ladrón de coches

Word origin

The term 'carjacker' is a portmanteau of 'car' and 'hijacker', first coined in the late 1970s in the United States as car theft became more aggressive and violent. The phenomenon emerged alongside rising crime rates during that period, particularly in urban areas. The subsequent rise in carjacking incidents led law enforcement to recognize it as a distinct crime category. The word reflects the combination of traditional car theft and the act of hijacking, which implies an overt or forceful take-over, typically involving threats or violence. Over the years, carjacking strategies have evolved, with criminals using increasingly sophisticated methods and technology, making it a growing concern for both police forces and car owners alike.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,711, 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.