Skyjack: meaning, definitions and examples
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skyjack
[ˈskaɪdʒæk ]
Definitions
airplane
To hijack an airplane in flight, typically by threatening violence or using force.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
skyjack |
Used specifically for the act of taking control of an aircraft, typically by force. It has a strong negative connotation.
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hijack |
Used when someone takes control of any vehicle (cars, buses, ships, etc.) by force. It has a strong negative connotation and implies criminal activity.
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commandeer |
Used when someone takes control of something, often vehicles, furniture, or buildings for military or emergency purposes. It doesn't necessarily imply violence and can be seen in both positive and neutral contexts.
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seize |
Used when someone takes hold of something suddenly and forcefully. It can be used in both legal and illegal contexts and has a neutral to negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The terrorists attempted to skyjack the plane to use it as a weapon.
- Passengers were terrified when the hijackers tried to skyjack the aircraft.
crime
The act of unlawfully taking control of an aircraft in flight, often for political or criminal purposes.
Examples of usage
- Skyjackings have decreased significantly due to improved security measures.
- The FBI was called in to investigate the latest skyjack.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word combines 'sky' and 'hijack', originating in the mid-20th century as air travel became more common.
- The first major skyjacking incident in the U.S. happened in 1961 when a plane was diverted to Cuba.
Global Events
- Skyjacking peaked during the 1970s, with over 100 reported incidents in a single year, leading to increased airport security.
- Notorious cases include the 1972 skyjacking of a Pan Am flight to Cuba, which influenced international counter-terrorism policies.
Legal Consequences
- Skyjacking is considered a serious crime, often resulting in life sentences if the perpetrators are caught.
- International law prosecutes hijackers under treaties like the Tokyo Convention of 1963, which aims to handle and prevent such acts.
Cultural Impact
- Movies like 'Airport' and 'Die Hard 2' popularized skyjacking, showcasing suspense and heroism in thwarting such crimes.
- The fear of skyjacking has influenced air travel security measures, leading to protocols such as extensive luggage screening and passenger vetting.
Psychological Aspects
- Many hijackers are motivated by political, ideological, or personal grievances, reflecting larger social issues.
- The notion of taking control in midair can evoke fear, which is why it resonates strongly with media and public consciousness.
Translations
Translations of the word "skyjack" in other languages:
🇵🇹 sequestrar um avião
🇮🇳 हवाई जहाज का अपहरण करना
🇩🇪 Flugzeug entführen
🇮🇩 membajak pesawat
🇺🇦 викрадати літак
🇵🇱 porwać samolot
🇯🇵 ハイジャックする
🇫🇷 détourner un avion
🇪🇸 secuestrar un avión
🇹🇷 uçak kaçırmak
🇰🇷 비행기를 납치하다
🇸🇦 اختطاف طائرة
🇨🇿 unést letadlo
🇸🇰 uniesť lietadlo
🇨🇳 劫持飞机
🇸🇮 ugrabiti letalo
🇮🇸 ræna flugvél
🇰🇿 ұшақты ұрлау
🇬🇪 თვითმფრინავის გატაცება
🇦🇿 təyyarəni qaçırmaq
🇲🇽 secuestrar un avión