Definition

A person or vehicle that is used to remove or recover wrecked vehicles or other items, often involving towing or salvaging.

Example

The wrecker arrived quickly to tow the broken-down car off the highway.

Conversation

Did you see that big wrecker truck by the side of the road yesterday?

Yeah, it looked like it was ready to haul something away.

I wonder if they had to pick up an accident or just a broken-down car.

Probably a bit of both; those wreckers are always busy!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Wrecker → The word originates from the Old English 'wrecan' (meaning to drive out or to punish) and the suffix '-er' (meaning a person who). A wrecker is a person who drives out or punishes, often associated with the act of demolishing or destroying something.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'drives out' ('wrecan') or 'punishes' — that's why a wrecker is someone who causes destruction.

Visually Confused Words