hot-wired
Started without keys
Hot-wired describes something that has been started by bypassing the normal ignition system—typically a car whose starter wires have been connected directly to avoid needing a key: The thief hot-wired the car in under a minute.
The term extends to any improvised electrical connection that skips standard controls.
Figuratively, hot-wired can suggest something activated or energized through unconventional means: Her brain seemed hot-wired for pattern recognition.
Violent vehicle theft
- joyridingReckless driving for pleasure
- stolen vehicleUnlawfully taken automobile
- auto theftCrime of stealing vehicles
- chop shopCriminal vehicle dismantling operation
grand theft auto · boosting · theft ring · felony · criminal · heist · fence · black market
Temporarily fixed with scraps
- jerry-riggedCrudely assembled from scraps
- bypassedWent around an obstacle
- riggedFraudulently arranged beforehand
- cobbledSurfaced with rounded stones
kludged · DIY · makeshift · patched · hacked · workaround · quick fix · bodged
Increased in velocity
- fast-trackedAccelerated through a process
- jumpstartedRestarted with external power
- expeditedMade faster, prioritized
- kick-startedForcibly set in motion
energized · galvanized · sparked · activated · triggered · mobilized · catalyzed · supercharged
carjacking
Violent vehicle theft
- joyridingReckless driving for pleasure
- stolen vehicleUnlawfully taken automobile
- auto theftCrime of stealing vehicles
chop shop · grand theft auto · boosting · theft ring · felony · criminal · heist · fence · black market · underworld
jury-rigged
Temporarily fixed with scraps
- jerry-riggedCrudely assembled from scraps
- bypassedWent around an obstacle
- riggedFraudulently arranged beforehand
cobbled · kludged · DIY · makeshift · patched · hacked · workaround · quick fix · bodged · lashed together
accelerated
Increased in velocity
- fast-trackedAccelerated through a process
- jumpstartedRestarted with external power
- expeditedMade faster, prioritized
kick-started · energized · galvanized · sparked · activated · triggered · mobilized · catalyzed · supercharged · revved up