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Hijack: meaning, definitions and examples

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hijack

 

[ ˈhaɪdʒæk ]

Context #1

airplane

Illegally seize control of an aircraft in flight by force or threat.

Synonyms

commandeer, seize, skyjack

Examples of usage

  • The terrorists hijacked the plane and demanded a ransom.
  • The hijackers took over the cockpit and diverted the flight.
Context #2

technology

Illegally take control of a computer, website, or system.

Synonyms

breach, compromise, hack

Examples of usage

  • The hackers hijacked the company's website and defaced it with their message.
  • My computer was hijacked by malware and used for a cyber attack.
Context #3

general

The illegal seizure of a vehicle, ship, or other conveyance while in transit.

Synonyms

piracy, seizure, theft

Examples of usage

  • The hijack of the oil tanker was a major international incident.
  • The authorities quickly responded to the hijacking of the bus.

Translations

Translations of the word "hijack" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sequestrar

🇮🇳 अपहरण करना

🇩🇪 entführen

🇮🇩 membajak

🇺🇦 захоплювати

🇵🇱 porwać

🇯🇵 ハイジャックする

🇫🇷 détourner

🇪🇸 secuestrar

🇹🇷 kaçırmak

🇰🇷 납치하다

🇸🇦 اختطف

🇨🇿 unes

🇸🇰 unes

🇨🇳 劫持

🇸🇮 ugrabiti

🇮🇸 ræna

🇰🇿 ұрлау

🇬🇪 მძევლად აყვანა

🇦🇿 qaçırmaq

🇲🇽 secuestrar

Word origin

The term 'hijack' originated in the early 20th century as a combination of 'high' and 'jack,' suggesting a highjacking or robbery. It initially referred to the seizing of vehicles or ships. The term gained prominence in the 1960s with the increase in airplane hijackings for various reasons, including political motives and ransom demands.