Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who seizes control of a vehicle by force: Specifically, someone who illegally takes command of a moving vehicle, most commonly an aircraft, to divert it to a different location.
   • A robber who stops a vehicle to steal from it: A criminal who halts a vehicle, such as a truck or car, typically to rob its contents or passengers.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The hijacker demanded the pilot fly to another country. (The person who seized the plane ordered the pilot to change course.)
  • The truck driver was threatened by a hijacker on the remote highway. (The robber who stopped the truck threatened the driver.)

Advanced Usage

• "Hijacker" in a technological/metaphorical context: While less common, the term can be applied to someone who unlawfully takes control of a system, process, or event.
  • The protest was taken over by political hijackers with a different agenda. (The demonstration was seized by individuals who diverted it for their own purposes.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hijack (verb): To seize control of a vehicle or system illegally.
  • The terrorists planned to hijack the airplane.
• Hijacking (noun): The act or instance of seizing a vehicle.
  • The hijacking of the ship was reported to the coast guard.

Synonyms

• Skyjacker: Specifically refers to a person who hijacks an aircraft.
• Pirate: A person who attacks and robs ships at sea; can be analogous for other vehicles.
• Bandit: An armed robber, often operating in remote areas.

Related Phrases

• Carjacker: A specific term for a person who steals a car by force from its driver. (Note: This is a distinct compound word, not a phrasal verb of "hijacker").
• To commandeer: A more formal verb meaning to take possession of something, especially for official use, but can be used in similar contexts of illegal seizure.

Noun

1. someone who uses force to take over a vehicle (especially an airplane) in order to reach an alternative destination
2. a holdup man who stops a vehicle and steals from it