Wrecker: meaning, definitions and examples

🚗

Add to dictionary

wrecker

[ˈrɛkər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

vehicle

A person who is involved in causing damage to vehicles or property, especially by deliberately causing accidents or collisions.

Synonyms

destroyer, saboteur, vandal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wrecker	This word is typically used to describe someone who causes destruction or damage intentionally, often in a generalized or broad way. It can apply to people who demolish buildings or disrupt plans. The old factory was taken down by a professional wrecker. She was known as a wrecker of relationships.
vandal	A vandal is someone who intentionally damages or destroys property, especially public or personal property, often in a way that is seen as senseless or pointless. This term is often used in the context of graffiti or property damage. The vandals spray-painted the walls of the school. Cameras were installed to catch vandals in the act.
saboteur	This word is used to describe someone who deliberately damages or disrupts something, often secretly or covertly, typically for political or military purposes. It carries a negative connotation. The spy acted as a saboteur, planting explosives in the factory. The project failed because of a saboteur within the team.
destroyer	This term is often used to describe something or someone that causes complete destruction, often in a significant or impactful way. It can also refer to a type of naval vessel. The earthquake was a destroyer of the entire city. The destroyer sailed into the harbor.

Examples of usage

The wrecker was arrested for intentionally causing the car crash.
The wrecker was hired to tow away the damaged vehicle.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

ship

A vessel or person that salvages or recovers a wrecked ship or its cargo.

Synonyms

reclaimer, rescuer, salvager.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wrecker	Used to describe someone who intentionally causes destruction or damages things, often with negative connotations. He was known as a wrecker in the neighborhood, breaking windows and causing chaos wherever he went
salvager	Used to describe someone who retrieves valuable items from wreckage or ruins, often with a focus on recovering useful materials. The salvager sifted through the shipwreck, looking for artifacts that could be sold
rescuer	Used to describe someone who saves others from dangerous or difficult situations, usually with a heroic or positive connotation. The firefighter was a brave rescuer, pulling people out of the burning building
reclaimer	Used to describe someone who recovers something that was lost or taken away, often suggesting a positive or neutral action. She worked as a reclaimer, restoring old furniture and giving it new life

Examples of usage

The wrecker helped to salvage the sunken ship.
The wrecker crew recovered valuable cargo from the wreck.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'wrecker' comes from the word 'wreck,' which has roots in the Old Norse word 'rekka,' meaning to drift or be carried away.
Originally, 'wrecker' referred to someone who looted shipwrecks, taking valuable cargo from stranded vessels.
By the late 19th century, it became more commonly associated with towing vehicles, as cars became a popular mode of transport.

Pop Culture

In movies, wreckers are often portrayed as shady characters who engage in illegal towing or damage cars deliberately for profit.
The classic animated series 'Wreck-It Ralph' features characters that break and fix things, creatively playing with the concept of wrecking.
The popular video game series 'Fortnite' includes vehicles called 'wreckers' used to demolish buildings and structures within the game.

Science

In structural engineering, 'wreckers' are crucial for demolishing old buildings to make way for new ones, involving careful planning and safety measures.
The study of wrecking vehicles is also tied to physics, as engineers analyze the forces involved in towing and lifting heavy loads.

History

During World War II, wreckers played a significant role in clearing battlefields by removing damaged military vehicles and debris.
The decline of shipwrecks in the 19th century led to modern-day regulations for wrecking and salvaging sunken ships, ensuring legal and safe retrieval.

Psychology

The concept of 'wrecking' in a psychological context can symbolize the destructive behaviors a person exhibits during moments of stress or crisis.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy often addresses 'wrecking' mental patterns, helping individuals rebuild healthy thought processes just like a wrecker restores broken vehicles.

Translations

Translations of the word "wrecker" in other languages:

🇵🇹 guincho

🇮🇳 विध्वंसक

🇩🇪 Abschleppwagen

🇮🇩 truk derek

🇺🇦 евакуатор

🇵🇱 holownik

🇯🇵 レッカー車

🇫🇷 dépanneuse

🇪🇸 grúa

🇹🇷 çekici

🇰🇷 견인차

🇸🇦 شاحنة سحب

🇨🇿 odtahovka

🇸🇰 odťahovka

🇨🇳 拖车

🇸🇮 vlečna služba

🇮🇸 dráttarbíll

🇰🇿 эвакуатор

🇬🇪 evakuator

🇦🇿 evakuator

🇲🇽 grúa

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,503 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
31500 anime
31501 grouper
31502 welts
31503 wrecker
31504 perturb
31505 mesmerism
31506 realtors
...