Wrecker: meaning, definitions and examples

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wrecker

 

[ ˈrɛkər ]

Noun
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?

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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?

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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.

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

Etymology

The word 'wrecker' originated in the 16th century from the Middle Low German 'wrak', meaning 'wreck'. Initially used to refer to someone who caused wrecks or destroyed property, the term evolved to also include those who salvage wrecks. Over the years, 'wrecker' has maintained its dual meaning in relation to causing damage and salvaging wreckage.

See also: wreck, wreckage.

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.