housewrecker: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/RareInformal, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “housewrecker” mean?
A person or thing that destroys houses.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person or thing that destroys houses; specifically, someone who demolishes a building, especially as a profession.
Figuratively, a person whose actions cause the destruction of a home or family life; someone whose behavior leads to the breakdown of a household or domestic stability.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is slightly more established in American English, particularly in the figurative sense referring to a homewrecker (which is the more common term). The literal professional sense is rare in both.
Connotations
In both, the figurative sense carries strong negative moral judgment. The literal sense is neutral but descriptive.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both varieties. 'Homewrecker' is the vastly more common term for the figurative meaning in both BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “housewrecker” in a Sentence
[Subject] is a housewrecker.[Subject] was called a housewrecker for [action/behavior].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “housewrecker” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was accused of trying to housewreck his neighbour's family.
- The company housewrecks old properties for new developments.
American English
- She's been housewrecking their relationship for months.
- The crew will housewreck the condemned building next week.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- His housewrecker actions left the family divided.
- They hired a housewrecker firm for the job.
American English
- Her housewrecker behavior was the talk of the town.
- We need a housewrecker crew on-site by Monday.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could refer literally to the demolition sector.
Academic
Virtually non-existent. Sociological studies on family might use the figurative term.
Everyday
Almost exclusively figurative and pejorative, used in gossip or strong accusations.
Technical
Not used in formal technical contexts; 'demolition specialist' is preferred.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “housewrecker”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “housewrecker”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “housewrecker”
- Confusing 'housewrecker' with 'homewrecker' (more common).
- Using it in formal writing.
- Misspelling as 'house wrecker' (often written as one word or hyphenated).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In the figurative sense, yes, they are synonyms, but 'homewrecker' is far more common and idiomatic. 'Housewrecker' can also have a rare literal meaning related to demolition.
It's a very informal and non-standard term for a demolition worker. Standard terms are 'demolition worker', 'demolition contractor', or 'wrecking crew member'.
When used figuratively, it is a strong pejorative term carrying a heavy moral accusation. It should be used with caution as it is highly insulting.
It's typically used as a predicate noun after 'to be' or 'to call someone': 'She was called a housewrecker.' Or as a compound noun modifier: 'his housewrecker tendencies'.
A person or thing that destroys houses.
Housewrecker is usually informal, figurative in register.
Housewrecker: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhaʊsˌrɛkə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhaʊsˌrɛkər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “play the housewrecker”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HOUSE being WRECKED. A 'housewrecker' wrecks houses literally (by demolition) or figuratively (by destroying the family inside).
Conceptual Metaphor
A HOUSE IS A FAMILY/RELATIONSHIP. Therefore, destroying a house is metaphorically destroying a family unit.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'housewrecker' LEAST likely to be used?