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Tailgater - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A tailgater is a driver who follows another vehicle too closely, often risking a collision. The term can also refer to someone who attends a social gathering near a parked vehicle, typically before an event.

tailgater

/ˈteɪlˌɡeɪtər/ /ˈteɪlˌɡeɪtə/

Definition:

A driver who follows another vehicle too closely, often aggressively.

Synonyms:

aggressive driver, road hog, bumper hugger

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

cautious driver, safe follower

Common Collocations:

tailgater behind, avoid tailgaters, angry tailgater

Derivatives:

tailgating, tailgated

Usage Tips:

Use "tailgater" to describe someone driving dangerously close to another car; often implies impatience or aggression.

Common Phrases:

"Don't be a tailgater, " "watch out for tailgaters, " "tailgater on your bumper"

Etymology:

Derived from "tailgate," referring to the rear of a vehicle, combined with "-er" to denote someone who engages in the action excessively.

Examples:

  • 1. The tailgater honked impatiently behind me.
  • 2. She braked suddenly to discourage the tailgater.
  • 3. Tailgaters cause many rear-end collisions on highways.
  • 4. He flashed his lights at the persistent tailgater.

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