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Hijacked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hijacked

[haɪˈdʒæktɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

illegal takeover

Hijacked refers to the act of unlawfully seizing control of a vehicle, such as an aircraft, ship, or other means of transport. It can involve taking hostages or making demands for ransom. This term is commonly associated with aviation and has been a significant concern for law enforcement and security agencies worldwide. The act of hijacking typically involves a perpetrator or group of perpetrators using threats or violence to gain control over individuals and vehicles.

Synonyms

captured, commandeered, seized.

Examples of usage

  • The plane was hijacked mid-flight.
  • Several ships have been hijacked in the region.
  • The bus was hijacked by armed robbers.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • The first recorded hijacking of a commercial airplane occurred in 1948 when a plane was taken over in a failed robbery attempt.
  • The phenomenon gained worldwide attention during the 1970s, when several high-profile hijackings were executed by various groups to bring attention to political causes.
  • In the wake of 9/11, aviation security underwent dramatic changes to prevent hijackings, resulting in stricter airport procedures and passenger screenings.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of hijacking has been a popular theme in movies and TV shows, with films like 'Air Force One' featuring plots centered around airplane hijackings.
  • In the video game industry, 'hijacking' can refer to taking control of a vehicle or enemy force, showcasing how the term has evolved in various media.
  • Musical artists have used hijacking as a metaphor for taking control over one's life or career, conveying themes of empowerment in their lyrics.

Psychology

  • Studies show that the psychology behind hijacking often includes a combination of desperation, political motives, or the desire for publicity.
  • Hijackers might use threats or violence as a method to express their grievances, suggesting a deep-seated motivation often rooted in personal or societal issues.
  • Research indicates that understanding the mindset of individuals who hijack can inform better prevention techniques and crisis negotiation strategies.

Origin of 'hijacked'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'hijack' originates from the early 20th century; it possibly comes from a slang term meaning to rob, related to a card game.
  • The word has roots in the phrase 'to jack,' which means to steal or lift.
  • Initially, it referred mainly to the seizure of vehicles or cargo on the roads or rails long before it was linked specifically to air travel.

The word 'hijack' has its origins in American slang from the early 20th century, around the 1920s. It is believed to have derived from the phrase 'high jack', which was used to describe the act of stealing a horse or other property. Over the years, the term evolved to specifically describe the unlawful seizure of vehicles, particularly aircraft. The first recorded use of the term in the context of aircraft was in the late 1940s when incidents of airplane hijacking began to rise, leading to profound security changes in aviation. The term has since become commonplace in discussions of security, crime, and terrorism, especially in connection with air travel and public transportation.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,328, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.