Skyjacked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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skyjacked
[ˈskaɪˌdʒækt ]
Definition
aircraft hijacking
Skyjacked refers to the act of hijacking an aircraft, usually through force or coercion. This term is particularly associated with incidents where passengers and crew are taken hostage or where a plane is diverted from its original flight path. The phenomenon of skyjacking gained significant media attention during the 1960s and 1970s when such occurrences became more frequent. The motivations behind skyjacking can vary, including political statements, demands for ransom, or personal grievances.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The flight was skyjacked mid-air.
- Several passengers were frightened after the plane was skyjacked.
- He was arrested for attempting to skyjack a commercial flight.
- Skyjacked flights often lead to international negotiations.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
History
- The first recorded hijacking of an airplane occurred in 1931 in the U.S.
- Major incidents in the late 20th century, such as the 1972 hijacking of a plane by a terrorist group, brought global attention to air safety.
- Governments worldwide responded with stricter security measures at airports after several high-profile skyjackings.
Pop Culture
- Skyjacking stories became a dominant theme in movies and novels during the 1970s, with films like 'Airport' (1970) reflecting societal fears.
- The phrase 'skyjacked' appeared in titles of films and TV shows, contributing to its notoriety during the era.
Safety and Security
- The aftermath of skyjacking incidents led to significant improvements in aviation security protocols, including metal detectors and passenger profiling.
- Skyjacking is now considered a crime within the context of international law, highlighting its severe consequences.
Psychology
- Skyjacking often invokes feelings of fear and vulnerability due to the loss of control experienced by passengers.
- Studies show that the fear of flying, known as aviation anxiety, can be exacerbated by publicized airline incidents.
Origin of 'skyjacked'
Main points about word origin
- The term combines 'sky,' referring to the airspace, and 'jack,' an old word meaning to capture.
- It gained popularity in the 1970s during a wave of airplane hijackings, leading to its use in popular language.
The term 'skyjacked' emerged during a notable rise in aircraft hijackings from the late 1950s to the early 1980s, a period that saw a surge of political unrest and terrorism globally. The word is a compound of 'sky'—referring to the aircraft's operational environment—and 'jack', a colloquial term for seizing control. This new phenomenon highlighted vulnerabilities in aviation security and led to extensive changes in regulations and procedures surrounding air travel. Incidents of skyjacking often captivated public attention, creating a dramatic narrative associated with the fear and risks of air travel. As public awareness grew, so did security measures in airports worldwide, transforming how passengers and airlines approached safety.