Wreckers

Wreckers refer to individuals or entities that intentionally damage, destroy, or dismantle something, especially buildings, vehicles, or machinery. They can act maliciously, for profit, or through negligence. The term often implies a disregard for the value or significance of the object being wrecked, and a deliberate act of causing ruin or collapse. In some contexts, 'wreckers' can also refer to those involved in the recovery and disposal of damaged vehicles or property, particularly after accidents or disasters, which can be a legitimate but sometimes ethically questionable industry. The core meaning of the word highlights a destructive agency, whether direct or indirect, physical or metaphorical, and the resulting state of ruin or wreckage.

Wreckers meaning with examples

• The gang of vandals were apprehended, the police charged them with being wreckers after they targeted several historical landmarks, leaving trails of shattered glass and graffiti. Their actions sparked outrage within the community, and they now faced severe penalties for their destructive behavior.
• A dispute over land rights led to accusations against the corporation of hiring wreckers. Locals claimed the company destroyed indigenous lands, claiming ownership over the territory for future development, to coerce them out of their rightful claims.
• After the hurricane, the insurance company hired wreckers to assess and remove damaged vehicles and structural debris from the affected areas. Their work, though essential for recovery, was often criticized for being slow and inefficient, hindering rebuilding efforts.
• During wartime, enemy soldiers were often referred to as wreckers if they demolished buildings, roads, and bridges as part of their military strategy. These deliberate acts aimed to cripple the enemy's infrastructure and resources, impeding their progress.
• The constant barrage of negative comments online felt as though some anonymous social media trolls were acting as wreckers. They were relentlessly attacking a particular individual, and damaging their reputation through vicious and untrue accusations.