Definition

To take control of an aircraft by force, often during a flight, usually for illegal purposes.

Example

The criminals attempted to skyjack the plane mid-flight.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about that incident where someone tried to skyjack a plane?

Yeah, I read about it! It's really scary how people can do that.

I know, right? It makes you think about how safe flying really is.

Exactly! I just hope they catch the culprits before it happens again.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Skyjack is formed from "sky" (from Old Norse *sky, meaning cloud or sky) and "jack" (from Middle English *jakke, a diminutive of the name Jack, often used to refer to a man or a device). The term originally referred to the act of seizing an aircraft in the sky, hence the meaning of hijacking an airplane.

Memory Tip

Think of 'sky' as the place where planes fly and 'jack' as a term for taking control — this helps you remember that 'skyjack' means to take control of an aircraft in the sky.

Visually Confused Words