Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

rubbernecker

noun
/ˈrʌbərˌnɛkər/
Definition
A person who is overly curious or inquisitive, especially about a situation that does not concern them, often someone who slows down to observe an accident or a scene of interest.
Examples

1. The traffic slowed down because there were too many rubberneckers at the accident site.

2. As a rubbernecker, she couldn’t help but stare at the commotion causing a line of cars to build up.

3. He decided not to be a rubbernecker and kept his eyes on the road despite the distracting scene to the side.

Meaning
The term ‘rubbernecker’ is often used to describe someone who turns their head to get a better look at something, particularly accidents or disturbances, which leads to distractions on the road.
Synonyms
  • Gawker
  • Curious onlooker
  • Voyeur
  • Onlooker