Hijack

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Hijack

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

verb and noun

Pronunciation

HY-jak  /ˈhaɪdʒæk/

Definition

As a verb: to unlawfully seize control of a vehicle, aircraft, or ship, especially by force, typically to divert it or use it for criminal or political purposes; to take over something for one's own use, especially illegitimately or by force. As a noun: an act of hijacking.

Plain meaning

To hijack means to forcibly take control of a vehicle — most commonly an aircraft — for criminal or political purposes. Figuratively, to hijack a meeting, a cause, or a conversation means to take control of it illegitimately and redirect it for your own purposes.

Register

Neutral in the criminal and news sense; vivid and hyperbolic in its figurative uses. Hijack is standard vocabulary in aviation security, news reporting, and political commentary. The figurative use — hijacking the agenda — is common in political and journalistic writing.