Highjack Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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highjack
[haɪˈdʒæk ]
Definition
illegal activity
To hijack means to seize control of a vehicle or aircraft by force or threat of violence. It is often associated with terrorism and criminal activities, where an individual or group takes over a mode of transportation to achieve specific demands. Hijacking can create significant fear and disruption, as it puts the lives of passengers at stake. It has been a common practice in various high-stakes scenarios, often leading to negotiations or law enforcement interventions.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The terrorists attempted to hijack the airplane.
- A group of criminals tried to hijack the bus during the trip.
- They planned to hijack a car to escape.
- The movie depicts a dramatic hijack of a luxury yacht.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Events
- The first recorded airplane highjack occurred in 1931 when a small aircraft was taken over by criminals in Brazil.
- The peak of aircraft highjacking incidents happened in the 1970s, with over 100 incidents reported in the United States alone.
- One of the most infamous highjacking cases occurred in 1972 when a flight was taken over by members of the Black September organization.
Pop Culture
- Highjacking plots often feature in movies and television shows, such as 'Air Force One', which starred Harrison Ford.
- The concept has also been explored in music, with several songs referencing the thrill and danger of highjacking incidents.
- In video games, highjacking scenarios are popular in action and adventure genres, allowing players to take control of vehicles.
Legal Aspects
- Highjacking is considered a serious crime and is punishable by severe penalties worldwide, including long prison sentences.
- In the United States, it falls under federal jurisdiction due to the potential risks associated with aviation security.
- International laws have been developed to address air piracy, with many countries collaborating to prevent and combat these acts.
Psychology
- Individuals who commit highjackings may have complex motivations ranging from political to personal, often influenced by social or economic factors.
- Research suggests that the thrill and adrenaline experienced during the act can lead to a cognitive dissonance in the highjacker's mind.
- The fear and anxiety created in victims during a highjacking can lead to long-term psychological effects, including PTSD.
Origin of 'highjack'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'highjack' originated in the early 20th century and is believed to be a combination of 'high' and 'jack', where 'jack' refers to taking something.
- The word was possibly derived from a slang term used by criminals in the 1920s in the United States.
- The phrase was initially associated with car theft before being popularly used in reference to aircraft.
The word 'hijack' is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, initially appearing in American English. It is thought to have derived from the term 'hi-jack', which was used to refer to the act of robbing a truck or cargo. The 'hi' prefix may have suggested an elevation of some kind, contrasting with 'jack', which can denote the act of lifting or seizing. The term became more widely recognized during the 1960s and 1970s as incidents of aircraft hijacking surged globally, often linked to political motivations and terrorism. Over time, the word's usage expanded beyond aviation to encompass any similar act involving vehicles, making it a common term in legal and media contexts.