hijack

 
Pronunciation: /ˈhʌɪdʒak/

verb

[with object]
  • illegally seize (an aircraft, ship, or vehicle) while in transit and force it to go to a different destination or use it for one’s own purposes: a man armed with grenades hijacked the jet yesterday
  • steal (goods) by seizing them in transit: the UN convoys have been tamely allowing gunmen to hijack relief supplies
  • take over (something) and use it for a different purpose: he argues that pressure groups have hijacked the environmental debate

noun

  • an incident or act of hijacking: [as modifier]: an unsuccessful hijack attempt

Derivatives

hijacker

noun

Origin:

1920s (originally US): of unknown origin

Spelling help

Remember that hijack begins with hi-.