The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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hijack

verb

/ˈhʌɪdʒak/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of hijack

To unlawfully take control of a vehicle, typically an aircraft, ship, or motor vehicle, by force or coercion, often with the intent to use it for criminal purposes.
"The insurgents tried to hijack the military convoy and obtain weapons and supplies."

Detailed meaning of hijack

When someone 'hijacks' a vehicle, they seize control from its rightful operators or passengers, effectively holding them captive or threatening their safety in the process. Hijacking is considered a serious crime with significant implications for public safety and national security, as it can lead to dangerous situations, including terrorism, piracy, or kidnapping. The term 'hijack' emphasizes the unauthorized and forceful seizure of a vehicle, where the hijacker takes command, diverting the vehicle from its intended course or purpose, often with criminal or hostile intent.

Example sentences containing hijack

1. The hijacker attempted to hijack the plane but was apprehended by authorities.
2. The criminals planned to hijack a shipment of valuable goods.
3. The hackers tried to hijack the company's website and steal sensitive data.
4. The kidnappers threatened to hijack the bus if their demands were not met.
5. The pirates tried to hijack the cargo ship and take control of its valuable cargo.
6. The rebels attempted to hijack the government's broadcast and spread their message.

History and etymology of hijack

The verb 'hijack' has an etymology that echoes the daring and often dangerous nature of the act. It originated during the early 20th century and is believed to be a combination of two words: 'high' and 'jack.' 'High' in this context implies taking control of something, especially a vehicle, at a high or elevated point, and 'jack' might be related to the notion of forcibly 'jacking' or seizing control. 'Hijack' primarily refers to the unlawful act of taking control of a vehicle, such as an aircraft, ship, or motor vehicle, by force or coercion, often with criminal intent. The etymology of 'hijack' thus underscores the audacity and illicit nature of forcibly seizing control of a vehicle, especially for criminal purposes, which can endanger lives and property.

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Further usage examples of hijack

1. The activists planned to hijack the conference and advocate for their cause.
2. The cybercriminals aimed to hijack users' social media accounts and spread malware.
3. The protestors attempted to hijack the political rally to voice their grievances.
4. The terrorists planned to hijack a train and hold the passengers hostage.
5. The rogue agent tried to hijack the satellite and gain control of its functions.
6. The hackers attempted to hijack the email server and send spam messages.
7. The criminals planned to hijack an armored truck and steal the cash inside.
8. The cyber attackers aimed to hijack the company's network and disrupt its operations.
9. The rebels planned to hijack a government building and establish their own rule.
10. The spies tried to hijack the secret documents and use them for their own advantage.
11. The hackers attempted to hijack the voting system and manipulate the election results.
12. The extremists planned to hijack a diplomatic vehicle and create chaos.
13. The criminals tried to hijack a casino and demand a ransom for the release of hostages.
14. The terrorists attempted to hijack the plane, sparking a tense standoff.
15. Criminals hijacked the armored truck and escaped with millions in cash.
16. Pirates plotted to hijack the cargo ship and demand a ransom.
17. Desperate criminals hijacked a bus full of passengers, demanding a getaway.
18. The fugitives tried to hijack a car to evade the pursuing police.
19. Kidnappers planned to hijack the CEO's vehicle for a hefty ransom.
20. Hijacking a tanker, the eco-terrorists aimed to disrupt oil production.
21. In a daring move, hackers tried to hijack a government database.
22. Hijackers stormed the casino, demanding access to the vault.
23. Criminals hijacked a subway train, holding commuters hostage.
24. The rebels attempted to hijack a military convoy for weapons and supplies.