wrecker

[ rek-er ]

noun

1. a person or thing that wrecks.
2. a person, car, or train employed in removing wreckage, debris, etc., as from railroad tracks.
3. Also called tow car, tow truck. a vehicle equipped with a mechanical apparatus for hoisting and pulling, used to tow wrecked, disabled, or stalled automobiles.
4. Also called housewrecker. a person whose business it is to demolish and remove houses or other buildings, as in clearing sites for other use.
5. a person or vessel employed in recovering salvage from wrecked or disabled vessels.
6. a person who plunders wrecks, especially after exhibiting false signals in order to cause shipwrecks.

wrecker

/ ˈrɛkə /

noun

1. a person or thing that ruins or destroys
2. a person whose job is to demolish buildings or dismantle cars
3. (formerly) a person who lures ships to destruction to plunder the wreckage
4. another word for tow truck

Word History and Origins

Origin of wrecker¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; wreck + -er ¹

Example Sentences

The idea that 5% of the caucus can impudently defenestrate one speaker, while 95% must support the wreckers’ choice for the “good of the party” is preposterous from every angle.

From Los Angeles Times

The explosive game wrecker who was a no-brainer selection at No. 2 overall in 2020.

From Washington Times

There was a “game wrecker” at rush end to cause chaos in the backfield.

From Los Angeles Times

The wrong approach shot could be a card wrecker and potentially provide pivotal drama at the death.

From BBC

The tow truck, described as a roll-back wrecker, was parked in the left lane with its emergency lights activated, the accident report said.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• bomber