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

Other Word Forms

• carjacker 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

A woman has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for her role in the murders of three tourists during a carjacking in Mexico last year.

Read more on BBC

In one case this year, a carjacking suspect managed to flee with help from an accomplice.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Dozens of people protested Thursday outside Rockstar Games' offices in Edinburgh, accusing the multi-billion dollar studio behind the smash "Grand Theft Auto" open-world carjacking franchise of "blatant union busting" by firing 31 people.

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Prowell has yet to enter a plea to charges of murder, attempted murder, carjacking, robbery, burglary and assault.

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The president said on Monday, however, that Memphis is "overrun" with carjackings, robberies and shootings, as well as other crimes.

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Related Words

• commandeer 
• kidnap 
• steal