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.
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.