# tailgate

/ˈteɪɫˌɡeɪt/ (US) · /tˈeɪlɡeɪt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tailgate
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

to drive too closely behind the car in front of you. It is dangerous because you might hit them if they stop suddenly.

For teachers: to drive a vehicle dangerously close to the rear of another vehicle. Often used in the context of aggressive driving or traffic violations.

## Examples

- Don't tailgate the car in front of you.
- The driver was pulled over by the police for tailgating a truck on the highway during heavy rain.
- Aggressive drivers who tailgate often fail to realize that their reduced reaction time significantly increases the probability of a multi-car collision in stop-and-go traffic.

## Usage notes

- The verb is both transitive and intransitive; it can take a direct object or be used alone.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.