Homewrecker - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

someone who destroys a home

A homewrecker is a person who is blamed for the breakup of a marriage or other long-term relationship. This term is often used in a derogatory way to describe someone who has caused emotional pain and upheaval by interfering in a romantic relationship.

Synonyms

marriage destroyer, relationship ruiner.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
homewrecker	Typically used to describe a person who causes serious problems in a marriage or relationship, often through infidelity. It has a strong negative connotation. People called her a homewrecker after they found out she was having an affair with a married man. He was labeled a homewrecker for getting involved with someone else's spouse.
marriage destroyer	Used in a similar context as 'homewrecker' but emphasizes the impact on the institution of marriage more than on the home itself. It is also very negative. The tabloids accused him of being a marriage destroyer after his affair came to light. She was seen as a marriage destroyer by many, leading to the couple's divorce.
relationship ruiner	This term can refer to someone who undermines any kind of romantic relationship, not just marriages. It is still negative but can apply to less formal or non-marital relationships as well. She didn't want to be known as a relationship ruiner, so she kept her distance from her friend's boyfriend. He was blamed for being a relationship ruiner when he spread rumors that led them to break up.

Word

Description / Examples

homewrecker

Typically used to describe a person who causes serious problems in a marriage or relationship, often through infidelity. It has a strong negative connotation.

People called her a homewrecker after they found out she was having an affair with a married man.
He was labeled a homewrecker for getting involved with someone else's spouse.

marriage destroyer

Used in a similar context as 'homewrecker' but emphasizes the impact on the institution of marriage more than on the home itself. It is also very negative.

The tabloids accused him of being a marriage destroyer after his affair came to light.
She was seen as a marriage destroyer by many, leading to the couple's divorce.

relationship ruiner

This term can refer to someone who undermines any kind of romantic relationship, not just marriages. It is still negative but can apply to less formal or non-marital relationships as well.

She didn't want to be known as a relationship ruiner, so she kept her distance from her friend's boyfriend.
He was blamed for being a relationship ruiner when he spread rumors that led them to break up.

Examples of usage

She was labeled as a homewrecker after starting a relationship with a married man.
The gossip magazines portrayed her as a homewrecker, but she insisted she was unaware of his marital status.

Interesting Facts

Cultural References

In popular music, the concept of a homewrecker is often explored, portraying complex emotions surrounding love and betrayal in relationships.
Films and TV shows frequently depict homewreckers as antagonistic characters, emphasizing the dramatic effects of infidelity on families.

Psychology

Research in relationship dynamics suggests that feelings of insecurity can lead individuals to act as homewreckers, intentionally or unintentionally disrupting relationships.
The impact of homewreckers can create significant emotional distress, including feelings of betrayal and loss among those affected.

Social Dynamics

Social media has amplified the influence of homewreckers, as relationships are more publicly displayed, highlighting infidelity and leading to swift judgments.
The label 'homewrecker' can often stigmatize individuals, affecting their social relationships and mental health, regardless of their involvement in the breakup.

Legal Perspective

In some jurisdictions, laws exist regarding 'alienation of affection,' allowing partners to sue a homewrecker for the emotional damage caused to their relationship.
The legal implications highlight the seriousness of disruptions caused in intimate partnerships, blurring lines between personal and social responsibility.

Origin of 'homewrecker'

Main points about word origin

The term 'homewrecker' emerged in the early 20th century, combining 'home' and 'wrecker' to convey the act of destroying family stability.
Prior to its modern usage, 'wrecker' referred to individuals involved in dismantling shipwrecks, later adapted to describe someone who disrupts households.

The term 'homewrecker' originated in the early 20th century, with the word 'wrecker' referring to someone who destroys or ruins something. The addition of 'home' in front of 'wrecker' specifically denotes someone who is responsible for the destruction of a home or family unit. The term is often used in a negative and accusatory manner to assign blame for a relationship's demise.

Homewrecker Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations