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Tailgated: meaning, definitions and examples

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tailgated

 

[ ˈteɪlˌɡeɪtɪd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

driving behavior

The term 'tailgated' refers to the act of driving too closely behind another vehicle, often to pressure the driver in front to speed up or change lanes. This behavior is generally considered dangerous and aggressive, as it reduces the reaction time available to avoid a collision. Tailgating can lead to rear-end accidents, especially if the car in front has to stop suddenly. It is advisable for drivers to maintain a safe following distance to ensure road safety.

Synonyms

drive closely, follow closely

Examples of usage

  • He was tailgated by an impatient driver.
  • Tailgating can increase the risk of accidents.
  • Don't tailgate; keep a safe distance.
  • She felt stressed when being tailgated on the highway.

Translations

Translations of the word "tailgated" in other languages:

🇵🇹 seguido de perto

🇮🇳 पीछा किया हुआ

🇩🇪 auf den Fersen

🇮🇩 mengikuti dekat

🇺🇦 слідувати близько

🇵🇱 podążać blisko

🇯🇵 尾行された

🇫🇷 suivi de près

🇪🇸 seguido de cerca

🇹🇷 yakından takip edilen

🇰🇷 바짝 따라붙은

🇸🇦 ملاحقة عن كثب

🇨🇿 následování zblízka

🇸🇰 sledovanie zblízka

🇨🇳 紧跟

🇸🇮 sledenje od blizu

🇮🇸 að fylgja náið

🇰🇿 жақын жүру

🇬🇪 მახლობელი მიყოლა

🇦🇿 yaxın izləmə

🇲🇽 seguido de cerca

Etymology

The word 'tailgate' comes from the combination of 'tail' and 'gate,' originally referring to the gate at the end of a vehicle's cargo area. The driving context developed in the mid-20th century, as automobiles became more common, leading to the use of 'tailgating' as a colloquial term for the act of following another vehicle too closely. The practice has since gained negative connotations in driver safety discussions, emphasizing road etiquette and the dangers of aggressive driving behaviors. As traffic laws evolved, so did the understanding of safe driving distances, making tailgating a subject of concern among law enforcement and traffic safety advocates.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,861, 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.