Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

joyrider

noun

/ˈdʒɔɪˌraɪdər/

Definition

A person who illegally drives a stolen vehicle for enjoyment or thrill.

Examples

The police caught the joyriders after a high-speed chase through the city streets.
He was charged with joyriding after taking his friend’s car without asking.
Many joyriders don’t consider the dangers they pose to themselves and others on the road.

Meaning

Joyriding typically involves taking a vehicle without permission, often causing damage and putting others at risk, but is done for excitement rather than with the intent to permanently keep the vehicle.