Carjacking: meaning, definitions and examples
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carjacking
[ kɑːrˌdʒækɪŋ ]
crime, vehicle theft
Carjacking is a crime involving the theft of a vehicle from its owner through intimidation, force, or the threat of violence. It typically occurs when an individual is inside or near their car, and the perpetrator uses aggressive tactics to gain control of the vehicle. Carjackers may approach victims with weapons or create a distraction to facilitate the theft. This crime is particularly prevalent in urban areas and poses significant risks to both the victims and bystanders.
Synonyms
automobile theft, car theft, vehicle robbery
Examples of usage
- The police reported a rise in carjackings in the city.
- She was a victim of carjacking late at night.
- Carjacking often involves dangerous confrontations.
- He was arrested shortly after committing a carjacking.
- They installed security measures to protect against carjacking.
Translations
Translations of the word "carjacking" in other languages:
🇵🇹 roubo de carro
🇮🇳 कार चोरी
🇩🇪 Autodiebstahl
🇮🇩 pencurian mobil
🇺🇦 викрадення автомобіля
🇵🇱 kradzież samochodu
🇯🇵 自動車強盗
🇫🇷 vol de voiture
🇪🇸 robo de coche
🇹🇷 araba soygunu
🇰🇷 자동차 강도
🇸🇦 سرقة سيارة
🇨🇿 krádež auta
🇸🇰 krádež auta
🇨🇳 劫车
🇸🇮 rop avtomobila
🇮🇸 bílastytta
🇰🇿 автокөлік ұрлау
🇬🇪 მანქანის ქურდობა
🇦🇿 maşın oğurluğu
🇲🇽 robo de coche
Word origin
The term 'carjacking' originated in the United States during the late 1970s and early 1980s, combining the words 'car' and 'hijacking'. The phenomenon of carjacking began to rise alongside the increasing prevalence of automobiles in daily life. With the growth of urban environments and economic disparity, opportunistic thieves exploited the vulnerability of vehicle owners, leading to a notable increase in such crimes. The term is believed to have been popularized through media coverage of high-profile carjacking incidents, further embedding it into public awareness. Over the years, carjacking techniques and motivations have evolved, reflecting broader social issues such as crime rates, poverty, and the complexities of law enforcement responses.