Hijack: meaning, definitions and examples

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hijack

[ˈhaɪdʒæk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

airplane

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

Synonyms

commandeer, seize, skyjack.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hijack	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.
seize	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.
commandeer	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.
skyjack	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.

Examples of usage

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

^{Context #2 | Verb}

technology

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

Synonyms

breach, compromise, hack.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hijack	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.
hack	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.
compromise	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.
breach	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.

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 | Noun}

general

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

Synonyms

piracy, seizure, theft.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hijack	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.
seizure	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.
piracy	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.
theft	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.

Examples of usage

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

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'hijack' originated from American English in the 1920s, combining 'hi' (meaning to raise) and 'jack' (to seize).
Initially, it referred to the theft of cargo from trucks and ships before it became widely associated with aircraft incidents.

History

The first recorded airplane hijacking occurred in 1931 when a group took control of a plane in Peru.
Hijacking incidents surged in the 1970s as political groups began using planes for terrorist activities.

Pop Culture

Films like 'Passenger 57' and 'Air Force One' dramatize hijacking, often portraying heroes battling against the threats.
The term has evolved in media, being used to describe not only physical hijacking but also metaphorical situations, like a 'hijacked' conversation.

Legislation

Many countries have strict laws against hijacking, often resulting in severe penalties, including long prison sentences.
The hijacking of aircraft led to the establishment of international conventions aimed at preventing such actions, such as the Montreal Convention.

Psychology

Researchers highlight that hijacking a plane can instill a profound sense of fear and trauma in passengers, impacting their mental health.
The motivations behind hijacking often include political statements, monetary gain, or psychological thrill-seeking.

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 Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,122 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
33119 embrasure
33120 resentfully
33121 shibboleth
33122 hijack
33123 pseudonymous
33124 circumnavigation
33125 desecrate
...