Hijack – Meaning, Definition, Synonyms and Antonyms
Hijack is a verb that means taking control of something without permission, often using force or threats.
Meaning:
To hijack means to unlawfully seize control of something, especially a vehicle such as a plane, car, or ship.
Definition:
To hijack is to illegally take control of a vehicle, aircraft, system, or message. This is usually done with force, intimidation, or coercion, but the word can also be used in a broader sense (for example, when someone takes over an event or communication for their own purpose).
Etymology:
The word hijack entered English in the early 1900s. It likely combines hi (a call/command) with jack meaning to seize or take. By the mid-20th century, it became strongly associated with aviation crimes.
Example Sentences:
- The plane was hijacked mid-flight.
- Protestors tried to hijack the broadcast to share their message.
- Thieves attempted to hijack the truck by disabling its tracking system.
- The attacker used malware to hijack the user’s browser session.
Hijack Synonyms:
Hijack Antonyms:
- Release
- Free
- Return
- Restore
- Surrender
- Protect
- Allow
- Respect
FAQs:
What is the difference between hijack and abduct?
In general, abduct focuses on taking a person away, while hijack focuses on taking control of something (often a vehicle or communication).
Can “hijack” be used in everyday situations?
Yes. People often say an audience, conversation, or meeting was “hijacked” when someone took control in an unfair or disruptive way.
Is “hijack” always violent?
Not always in everyday figurative speech, but the core meaning involves unlawful control, and the real-world examples often involve force, threats, or intimidation.
What are common related words?
Words like betray (for acting against someone’s trust) and collision (for a damaging impact) sometimes appear in stories or discussions around security incidents.
Explore more negative words that start with H
See also: use (for the contrast between lawful use and unauthorized control) and malware (for modern “hijacking” of devices or accounts).
