hijack
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈhaɪdʒæk/
KK: /ˈhaɪdʒæk/
noun
Definition
The act of taking control of a vehicle, aircraft, or other mode of transportation by force or threat.
Example
The hijack of the plane caused a major security alert at the airport.
Conversation
Did you hear about that recent hijack at the airport?
Yeah, it was all over the news!
I can't believe how brazen the criminals were to attempt a hijack like that.
I know, right? It's really scary to think that could happen.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
seizure
theft
abduction
Antonyms
release
surrender
return
transitive verb
Definition
To take control of a vehicle or transport by force, often to use it for a different purpose or to steal it.
Example
The criminals planned to hijack the bus during its route.
Tense Forms
Past: hijacked
Past Participle: hijacked
Conversation
Did you hear about that plane that got hijacked last week?
Yeah, it's crazy how dangerous things have become.
I know, right? I can't believe someone would actually hijack a plane.
Root Explanation
Hijack → The word 'hijack' is believed to originate from the slang term 'hijack' (from the early 20th century American English), which is thought to be a combination of 'hi' (a greeting) and 'jack' (to seize or take). The term originally referred to the act of stealing goods from a vehicle or vessel, particularly in the context of robbery.
Memory Tip
Imagine someone greeting you with 'hi' before they 'seize' ('jack') something from you — that's how you can remember that 'hijack' means to take control of something unlawfully.
Visually Confused Words
whipjack
highjack
jack
hick
hack