hijack

3 synonyms for hijack, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Verb — To seize illegal control of a vehicle, especially a plane, in order to rob it or force it to a destination.

Synonyms

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

pirate

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

commandeer highjack

Synonyms by Meaning

1. verb

To seize illegal control of a vehicle, especially a plane, in order to rob it or force it to a destination.

“The gang hijacked the truck and stole its entire cargo.”

pirate commandeer highjack

2. noun

An act of hijacking; an illegal seizure of a vehicle or process.

“Security was tightened after the attempted hijack.”

highjack

How to use hijack

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

hijack a plane hijack the conversation hijack attempt

Etymology

First recorded in the early 20th century, likely a blend of highway and jacker ("one who holds someone up"); origin details remain uncertain.

Full origin of hijack →

Frequently asked questions

What does “hijack” mean?

The word “hijack” means to seize illegal control of a vehicle, especially a plane, in order to rob it or force it to a destination. In plain terms, to take forceful, illegitimate control of something — a vehicle, a meeting, or even a conversation.

How do you pronounce “hijack”?

“Hijack” is pronounced HEYE-jak (/ˈhaɪ.dʒæk/ in IPA).

How do you use “hijack” in a sentence?

Here is “hijack” used in a sentence: “The gang hijacked the truck and stole its entire cargo.”

What part of speech is “hijack”?

Depending on how it is used, “hijack” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “hijack” come from?

The word “hijack” dates back to around 1900. First recorded in the early 20th century, likely a blend of highway and jacker ("one who holds someone up"); origin details remain uncertain.

Is “hijack” a common word?

“Hijack” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “hijack” have?

“Hijack” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to seize illegal control of a vehicle, especially a plane, in order to rob it or force it to a destination.

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pirate commandeer

Nearby words

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