hijacking
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈhaɪdʒækɪŋ/
KK: /ˈhaɪdʒækɪŋ/
noun
Definition
The act of taking control of a vehicle, especially an aircraft, by force or threat.
Example
The hijacking of the plane caused widespread panic among the passengers.
Conversation
Did you hear about that recent hijacking incident on the news?
Yeah, it was quite shocking!
I can't believe how common hijacking has become these days.
It's really concerning; we need better security measures.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
seizure
theft
abduction
Antonyms
release
surrender
return
verb
Definition
To take control of a vehicle or aircraft by force, often to use it for illegal purposes.
Example
The police were able to prevent the hijacking of the airplane.
Tense Forms
Past: hijacked
Past Participle: hijacked
Conversation
Did you hear about that movie where they are hijacking a plane?
Yeah, it sounds really intense!
I wonder how they plan on showing the hijacking scenes without making it too scary.
Root Explanation
Hijacking is formed from 'hi-' (a colloquial shortening of 'high') and 'jack' (from Middle English 'jakke', meaning to seize or take). The term originally referred to the act of seizing control of a vehicle, particularly an aircraft, at a high altitude or in a high-stakes situation.
Memory Tip
Think of 'high' as in a high-stakes situation and 'jack' as in to seize or take something. This helps you remember that hijacking means taking control of something, often in a dramatic or dangerous way.
Visually Confused Words
hacking
whacking
hackin