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Hijacker - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A hijacker is a person who illegally seizes control of a vehicle, especially an aircraft, or takes over a system or process by force or deception for personal or political gain.

hijacker

/ˈhaɪˌdʒækər/ /ˈhaɪˌdʒækə/

Definition:

A person who illegally seizes control of a vehicle, especially an aircraft, by force.

Synonyms:

pirate, kidnapper, thief, bandit

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

rescuer, liberator

Common Collocations:

plane hijacker, car hijacker, armed hijacker, notorious hijacker

Derivatives:

hijacking, hijacked

Usage Tips:

Use "hijacker" for someone forcibly taking control of transport; avoid for metaphorical or non-violent contexts.

Common Phrases:

skyjacker, air pirate, highway robber

Etymology:

Derived from "highway" + "jack" (to seize), originally referring to thieves robbing stagecoaches; later applied to aircraft seizures.

Examples:

  • 1. The hijacker demanded the pilot change course.
  • 2. Police arrested the hijacker after a tense standoff.
  • 3. The flight crew subdued the hijacker mid-air.
  • 4. A notorious hijacker terrorized airlines in the 1970s.

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