Highjacking: meaning, definitions and examples
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highjacking
[ haɪˈdʒækɪŋ ]
aircraft theft
Hijacking refers to the unlawful seizure of a vehicle or aircraft, typically involving a threat or use of force against the passengers or crew. It is often carried out with the intent to either extort ransom or to make political demands. This act poses a significant threat to aviation and public safety.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The aircraft was subjected to a hijacking mid-flight.
- Security measures are essential to prevent hijacking incidents.
- The movie depicts a dramatic hijacking scenario.
seizing control
To hijack means to take control of a vehicle, especially an aircraft, by force or under threat. This action is illegal and typically involves coercing the crew or passengers for malicious purposes.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The criminals attempted to hijack the bus during rush hour.
- She was accused of trying to hijack the discussion.
- They plan to hijack the meeting agenda.
Translations
Translations of the word "highjacking" in other languages:
🇵🇹 sequestro
🇮🇳 हाइजैकिंग
🇩🇪 Entführung
🇮🇩 perampokan
🇺🇦 викрадення
🇵🇱 porwanie
🇯🇵 ハイジャック
🇫🇷 détournement
🇪🇸 secuestro
🇹🇷 kaçırma
🇰🇷 하이재킹
🇸🇦 اختطاف
🇨🇿 únos
🇸🇰 únos
🇨🇳 劫持
🇸🇮 zaseg
🇮🇸 rænd
🇰🇿 ұрлау
🇬🇪 განგმირი
🇦🇿 qanunsuz ələ keçirmə
🇲🇽 secuestro
Etymology
The term 'hijacking' originated in the early 20th century, derived from the slang term 'hi-jack' which initially meant to rob or steal. The exact origin is somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have emerged in American slang around 1920. The term gained prominence with the rise of aircraft piracy in the 1960s, when several high-profile incidents of unlawful seizure of planes occurred, leading to its widespread use in media and aviation safety discourse. The blending of 'high' and 'jack' suggests an elevation of the act of jacking (stealing or commandeering), particularly in the context of air travel. Over the years, hijacking has evolved to also refer to taking control of other modes of transport or even abstract concepts, such as discussions or events, where the original meaning of unlawful seizure is metaphorically applied.