Hijack: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is commonly used to describe the illegal takeover of a vehicle, especially an aircraft, by force. It has a significant negative connotation due to its association with criminal activities.

• The terrorist group planned to hijack the airplane.
• The robbers attempted to hijack the delivery truck but were caught by the police.

The word 'seize' is broader in scope and can refer to taking control of anything, not just vehicles or property. It often implies a sudden and forceful action. It can be used in both legal and illegal contexts.

• The authorities decided to seize the contraband goods at the border.
• The rebels managed to seize the government building during the coup.

This word is used when someone, typically with authority or in an emergency situation, takes control of a vehicle or property for official or military use. It does not carry the same negative connotation as 'hijack'.

• During the hurricane, the police had to commandeer private boats for rescue operations.
• In wartime, soldiers might commandeer civilian properties for strategic purposes.

Similar to 'hijack', 'skyjack' specifically refers to the illegal takeover of an aircraft. It is an older term and not as commonly used in contemporary language.

• The headline read: 'Terrorists Attempt to Skyjack International Flight'.
• Security measures were increased to prevent any attempt to skyjack the planes.

Appropriate when referring to seizing control of a vehicle, especially an airplane, or a digital entity. It often carries a negative connotation.

• The terrorists planned to hijack the airplane.
• He managed to hijack the company's social media account.

Commonly used in the context of computer systems to describe unauthorized access or manipulation. Frequently carries a negative connotation.

• The university's database was hacked, resulting in a data leak.
• He learned how to hack into his own device to customize the settings.

Suitable for situations where something has been weakened or exposed to risk. Often used in security contexts but can also apply to integrity or quality.

• The organization had to terminate the employee because their actions compromised the project.
• Leaving your password written down can compromise your account security.

Used to describe breaking through defenses or breaking an agreement or law. Often found in legal or security contexts.

• There was a breach of contract when the supplier failed to deliver goods on time.
• The hackers found a way to breach the system's security.

This term is generally used when someone takes control of a vehicle, especially a plane or a ship, by force, often for political reasons.

• The terrorists planned to hijack the plane and force it to land in a different country.
• There was a failed attempt to hijack a bus carrying tourists.

This term is used more generally to refer to the act of taking control of something, often by legal authority or military force.

• The police made a big drug seizure during the raid.
• The army's seizure of the city was swift and unexpected.

This word is often used to describe the act of attacking and robbing ships at sea. It also has a secondary meaning related to the illegal copying and distribution of media.

• Piracy has been a serious problem in the waters near Somalia.
• The company's new software aims to reduce online piracy.

Use this word when referring to the general act of stealing something. It does not imply the use of force and covers a wide range of situations.

• He was arrested for the theft of a valuable painting from the museum.
• Identity theft is a growing concern in the digital age.