Words / B2

HYJ-ak/ˈhaɪdʒæk/

To hijack is to take control of a vehicle or aircraft illegally, often by force; also to take over a debate or event: hijack a plane; hijack the agenda. Seize and commandeer are close twins. Date the hijack in the news source; do not dramatise a film plot. Mix-up: highjack (non-standard spelling); hike. Do not write hijack for borrowing a bike with permission.

Meaning

To take control of a vehicle or aircraft illegally, often by force; also to take over a debate or event.

Examples

• “Date the hijack in the news source; do not dramatise a film plot.”
• “Activists hijacked the Q&A, the minutes said, which is the take-over-an-event sense.”

Good to know

hijack a plane / lorry / debate; a hijack; hijacking. Close: seize / commandeer. Trap: highjack. News, citizenship, and media. Seize a vehicle illegally, or take over an event — specify.

Near in meaning

seize, commandeer

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