Skyjacker Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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skyjacker
[ˈskaɪˌd͡ʒækər ]
Definition
aircraft hijacking
A skyjacker is an individual who unlawfully seizes control of an aircraft while in flight. This act is often fueled by intents such as political expression, ransom demands, or terrorism. Skyjacking poses significant threats to civilian aviation and has led to various security measures in airports worldwide.
Synonyms
aircraft hijacker, airplane hijacker, hijacker.
Examples of usage
- The skyjacker demanded a large ransom before releasing the hostages.
- Authorities apprehended the skyjacker as the plane landed.
- In the 1970s, many notorious skyjackers emerged, prompting changes in airline security.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term 'skyjacking' first emerged in the 1960s during a wave of airplane hijackings.
- The word is a blend of 'sky' indicating the aerial context and 'jacking' from 'hijacking', which is to unlawfully seize something.
Famous Incidents
- One of the most infamous skyjackings occurred in 1971, when a man known as D.B. Cooper hijacked a plane and disappeared with a ransom.
- In 1985, a skyjacker led to the crash of a plane in India, marking a turning point in aviation security protocols.
Security Measures
- The rise of skyjacking led airlines to implement strict security measures, including passenger screenings and baggage checks.
- Following several incidents, the creation of the Federal Air Marshal program was established to deter potential skyjackers.
Psychology
- Studies suggest that motives behind skyjacking can range from political expression to personal grievances.
- Skyjackers often create a hostage-like situation which can heighten anxiety for passengers and crew.
Pop Culture
- Skyjacking has been featured in numerous films and books, highlighting its dramatic and often suspenseful elements.
- Music from the 1970s often included references to skyjacking, reflecting the public's fascination and fear of these events during that time.
Origin of 'skyjacker'
The term 'skyjacker' is believed to have originated in the 1960s during the wave of aircraft hijackings that occurred around that time. As commercial air travel expanded, so did the incidents of hijacking, prompting the need for a specific term to describe individuals who carried out these illegal acts. The word combines 'sky,' referring to the atmosphere where planes fly, and 'jack,' which means to seize or steal. The media popularized the term as hijackings gained notoriety, thus embedding it into the English language. The phenomenon was particularly prevalent during the Cold War era, where political motives often underpinned the actions of skyjackers, leading to increased security measures in aviation.