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Jackknifing: meaning, definitions and examples

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jackknifing

 

[ หˆdส’รฆkหŒnaษชfษชล‹ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

vehicle accident

Jackknifing refers to a specific type of accident that typically occurs with a combination of a tractor and a trailer. It happens when the trailer swings out sideways while the tractor remains in a forward motion, forming a shape similar to a folding jackknife. This can occur due to sudden braking or slippery road conditions, leading to loss of control and potential collision with other vehicles or obstacles. Jackknifing is particularly dangerous on highways as it can obstruct multiple lanes and create hazardous conditions for other drivers.

Synonyms

accident, collision, incident

Examples of usage

  • The truck was involved in a jackknifing accident during the storm.
  • Jackknifing can lead to serious injuries for the driver and passengers.
  • The highway was closed after several vehicles were caught in a jackknifing incident.
Context #2 | Verb

vehicle behavior

To jackknife is to describe the action of a vehicle, typically a truck, losing control and causing the trailer to swing out sideways relative to the towing vehicle. This maneuver is often unintentional and can be resulted from sudden braking or loss of traction. When a vehicle jackknifes, it may become unstable, and the driver must take swift action to regain control before a more serious accident occurs. Managing weight distribution and speed can help prevent jackknifing.

Synonyms

lose control, skid, slide

Examples of usage

  • The driver managed to avoid jackknifing the trailer.
  • If you brake too quickly, you risk jackknifing your vehicle.
  • He was trained how to prevent jackknifing during his truck driving course.

Translations

Translations of the word "jackknifing" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น semifinalista

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคœเฅˆเค•เคจเคพเค‡เคซเคฟเค‚เค—

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Jackknifing

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ jackknifing

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะบะปะฐะดะฝะธะน ะฝั–ะถ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ jackknifing

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ธใƒฃใƒƒใ‚ฏใƒŠใ‚คใƒ•

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท jackknifing

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ jackknifing

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท jackknifing

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์žญ๋‚˜์ดํ”„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฌุงูƒู†ูŠููŠู†ุบ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jackknifing

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ jackknifing

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆŠ˜ๅ ๅˆ€ๅˆ‡ๅ‰ฒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ jackknifing

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ jackknifing

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jackknifing

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฏแƒ”แƒ™แƒœแƒแƒ˜แƒคแƒ˜แƒœแƒ’แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jackknifing

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ jackknifing

Etymology

The term 'jackknifing' emerged in the early 20th century and is derived from the image of a jackknife folding. The first known uses hinted at mechanics and vehicles, notably concerning the coupling mechanism of trucks and trailers. The jackknife design allows the trailer to pivot and fold over itself when not in motion. This is significant in understanding the dynamics of large vehicles that can maneuver tightly in certain conditions. Over time, the term became widely used to describe the specific accident scenario involving trucks, particularly in adverse weather or abrupt stops, and highlighted safety concerns on roads frequented by commercial transport.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,214, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.