Hijack Meaning
/ˈhaɪ.dʒæk/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
verbTo forcibly seize control of some vehicle in order to rob it or to reach a destination (especially an airplane, truck or a boat).
verbTo seize control of some process or resource to achieve a purpose other than its originally intended one.
Sentence Examples
Investigators foiled a plot to hijack an airplane.
If someone doesn't hijack something, it's not a good movie.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The criminals planned to ____ the plane and demand a ransom.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The criminals attempted to ____ the truck carrying the valuable shipment of electronics.
Word Origin & History
Possibly from a blend of highway + jacker (“one who holds up”) (1915).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"One lone "high-jack" held up 11 harvest hands in a freight car [...] last night, making a clean getaway with slightly over $180."
— 1915 August 26, “Stick-Ups Get Good Hauls From Harvest Hands Near Yankton”, in Pierre Weekly Free Press, Pierre, SD, page 6:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The criminals planned to ____ the plane and demand a ransom.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The criminals attempted to ____ the truck carrying the valuable shipment of electronics.