carjack

[ kahr-jak ]

verb (used without object)

1. to forcibly steal a vehicle from a motorist.

verb (used with object)

1. to forcibly steal (a vehicle), or to victimize (a driver) in this way.

carjack

/ ˈkɑːˌdʒæk /

verb

1. tr to attack (a driver in a car) in order to rob the driver or to steal the car for another crime

Derived Forms

• ˈcarˌjacker, noun

Other Words From

• carjacker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of carjack¹

1990-95; blend of car ¹ + hijack

Word History and Origins

Origin of carjack¹

C20: car + ( hi ) jack

Example Sentences

The Police Department received a call about a carjacking in the 400 block of North Bedford Drive at 7:06 p.m.

From Los Angeles Times

Police are looking for a man who has attacked multiple women in Los Angeles in the last week during attempted carjackings.

From Los Angeles Times

Additionally, Cacho is facing one count of possession of an unregistered assault weapon, and Rodriguez-Arroyo is facing one count of carjacking, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office.

From Los Angeles Times

They drove past a gas station near 22nd Street and Vermont when they saw an apparent carjacking in progress.

From Los Angeles Times

Suspect is charged in the shooting death of a Marine during an alleged attempted carjacking and the alleged attempted murder of two other people, authorities say.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• commandeer
• kidnap
• steal