Definition

A person who steals a car while someone is inside it.

Example

The police arrested a carjacker who took a vehicle at gunpoint.

Conversation

Did you hear about the carjacker who got caught downtown last night?

Yeah, I saw it on the news! That's so scary.

I know, right? It makes me think twice about leaving my car parked anywhere.

Same here! I always try to park in well-lit areas now.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Carjacker is formed from "car" (from Latin *carrus*, meaning a wheeled vehicle) and "jacker" (from the verb "jack" meaning to lift or raise, which in this context refers to stealing). The word describes someone who steals a car, typically by force or threat.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'lifts' ('jacker') a 'car' — that's why a carjacker is someone who steals a car.

Visually Confused Words