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Hijacker: meaning, definitions and examples

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hijacker

 

[ ˈhaɪˌdʒækər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

crime action

A hijacker is an individual who unlawfully seizes control of a vehicle or conveyance, typically involving an aircraft, ship, or vehicle. This act is undertaken against the will of the passengers or crew, often with the intention of demanding ransom, making political statements, or obtaining asylum. Hijacking is considered a serious crime and can lead to significant legal consequences. The motivations behind hijacking can vary widely, from terrorism to personal grievances.

Synonyms

extortionist, pirate, robber

Examples of usage

  • The hijacker demanded a large sum of money.
  • Security measures were tightened after a hijacker attempted to seize the plane.
  • Passengers were terrified when the hijacker entered the cockpit.

Translations

Translations of the word "hijacker" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sequestrador

🇮🇳 हाइजैकर

🇩🇪 Entführer

🇮🇩 perampok

🇺🇦 захоплювач

🇵🇱 porywacz

🇯🇵 ハイジャッカー

🇫🇷 pirate de l'air

🇪🇸 secuestrador

🇹🇷 kaçıran

🇰🇷 납치범

🇸🇦 خاطف

🇨🇿 únosce

🇸🇰 únosca

🇨🇳 劫持者

🇸🇮 trovator

🇮🇸 rændari

🇰🇿 алаяқ

🇬🇪 დაკავებული

🇦🇿 qırıcı

🇲🇽 secuestrador

Etymology

The term 'hijacker' originates from the verb 'hijack', which is believed to have emerged in the early 20th century in the United States. Its exact etymology is unclear, though it is thought to be derived from earlier slang, possibly involving the criminal act of 'hijacking' someone's goods. The meaning of the word evolved over time to specifically refer to the takeover of vehicles, particularly aircraft, during the 1960s and 1970s when hijacking incidents became more prominent in global news. In this context, the word gained notoriety as it was frequently associated with acts of terrorism and political protests, shaping public perception and legal definitions. As the phenomenon persisted, laws and regulations surrounding air travel were established, leading to stricter security measures. Hence, the hijacker remains a crucial term in discussions surrounding aviation security and crime.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,026, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.