Hijack

Part of Speech

Verb (transitive)

Pronunciation

/ˈhaɪdʒæk/

Definitions

• Verb: To unlawfully seize control of a vehicle (such as an airplane or ship) by force or threat of violence.
• Verb (informal): To take control of something, often by force or coercion, for personal use or gain.

Usage Examples

• "The plane was hijacked shortly after takeoff."
• "They attempted to hijack the company's decision-making process."

Etymology

The word "hijack" is believed to have originated in the 1920s from the slang term "high-jack," where "jack" refers to a term meaning "to steal" or "to take by force," and "high" refers to a high-risk situation or an elevated position, as in a vehicle being commandeered in mid-air or on a road. The term was originally used in the context of bootlegging, particularly in the theft of goods during transport.

Synonyms

• Seize
• Take over
• Commandeering
• Kidnap
• Take control

Antonyms

• Release
• Free
• Return
• Restore
• Abandon

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

Pronunciation variations of "hijack" are minimal, though some accents may alter the stress or enunciation. For instance, in American English, the stress is typically on the first syllable (/ˈhaɪdʒæk/), while in some British accents, the "j" sound might be more pronounced.

Historical Usage

The term "hijack" rose to prominence in the early 20th century, especially with the rise of air travel and the increasing number of aircraft hijackings. The first major hijacking was recorded in 1931 when a plane was taken by force in the United States. Over time, "hijack" has been used to describe the seizure of any vehicle or system, and is often associated with political or criminal acts.

Cultural Nuances

Hijacking, especially in its context of air travel, became a symbol of terrorism during the late 20th century, with high-profile incidents drawing attention to the vulnerability of air travel. The term has also been used metaphorically in business and politics to describe situations where someone forcibly takes control of a company or decision-making process.

More Information

Hijacking remains a serious criminal offense, with modern security measures making it increasingly difficult. The global efforts to prevent hijacking include strict regulations in the aviation industry and the development of anti-hijacking technologies, such as reinforced cockpit doors and enhanced passenger screening procedures. Although hijacking incidents are less frequent today, they have had a profound impact on how security is handled in transportation systems worldwide.