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

“I know when Derwin’s there, he’s going to be a wrecker,” Still told reporters.

From Los Angeles Times

Part of this awareness was bringing these farmers on board to become protectors of the forest rather than wreckers of it.

From BBC

It is fitting that we meet a woman once described as a "wrecker of civilisation" in the grounds of a ruined priory.

From BBC

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

Related Words

• bomber