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Hijacking: meaning, definitions and examples

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hijacking

 

[ˈhaɪdʒækɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

transportation crime

Hijacking refers to the unlawful seizure of a vehicle, aircraft, or vessel by force or threat. This act is typically carried out by an individual or group seeking to gain control over the means of transportation for malicious purposes, such as extortion or terrorism. Hijacking can lead to serious legal consequences and endanger the lives of passengers and crew members. It often involves negotiations with law enforcement or government agencies, and can result in hostage situations.

Synonyms

abduction, capture, seizure.

Examples of usage

  • The plane was the target of a hijacking incident last year.
  • Security measures have increased in response to the rise of vehicle hijacking.
  • Authorities managed to resolve a ship hijacking without casualties.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term originated in the 1920s in the United States, originally referring to the theft of goods, especially during the prohibition era.
  • It became commonly associated with aircraft in the late 1960s, especially after several high-profile airplane hijackings occurred.

Pop Culture

  • Hijacking has been portrayed in various movies and TV shows, often depicting dramatic rescue missions or negotiations.
  • One famous example is the 1996 film 'Air Force One,' where the President’s plane is hijacked by terrorists.

Technology

  • In the digital realm, hijacking can refer to taking control of a person’s computer or accounts, often for malicious purposes like stealing information.
  • Methods such as 'session hijacking' exploit web sessions to gain unauthorized access to user information or accounts.

Psychology

  • Hijacking can also metaphorically describe taking control of discussions or narratives in conversations, often leading to manipulation.
  • The psychological effects of a hijacking experience can lead to trauma or anxiety in victims, requiring support and recovery strategies.

Security Measures

  • Governments have implemented strict security measures at airports worldwide to prevent aircraft hijacking incidents.
  • Technological advancements in security, such as biometric screenings and advanced surveillance, aim to reduce the risks of hijacking.

Translations

Translations of the word "hijacking" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sequestro

🇮🇳 हाइजैकिंग

🇩🇪 Entführung

🇮🇩 pembajakan

🇺🇦 викрадення

🇵🇱 porwanie

🇯🇵 ハイジャック

🇫🇷 piraterie

🇪🇸 secuestro

🇹🇷 kaçırma

🇰🇷 납치

🇸🇦 اختطاف

🇨🇿 únos

🇸🇰 únos

🇨🇳 劫持

🇸🇮 zajetje

🇮🇸 rænd

🇰🇿 ұрлау

🇬🇪 გატაცება

🇦🇿 qaçırma

🇲🇽 secuestro

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,120, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.