Definition

A person who takes control of an aircraft by force, often to demand something or make a political statement.

Example

The skyjacker threatened the passengers to make his demands known.

Conversation

Did you hear about that skyjacker who took a plane last week?

Yeah, it was all over the news! What a crazy situation.

I can't believe people still try to skyjack planes these days.

I know, right? It's so risky and pointless.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Skyjacker → It is formed from "sky" (from Old Norse *ský*, meaning cloud or sky) and "jacker" (from the verb "to jack", meaning to seize or take). The word "skyjacker" refers to someone who seizes control of an aircraft in the sky.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'seizes' ('jacker') something in the 'sky' — that's why a skyjacker is someone who takes control of an aircraft.

Visually Confused Words