hijack

American  

[hahy-jak] / ˈhaɪˌdʒæk /

Or highjack

verb (used with object)

1. to steal (cargo) from a truck or other vehicle after forcing it to stop.

   to hijack a load of whiskey.

2. to rob (a vehicle) after forcing it to stop.

   They hijacked the truck before it entered the city.

3. to seize (a vehicle) by force or threat of force.

4. to skyjack.

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verb (used without object)

1. to engage in such stealing or seizing.

noun

1. an act or instance of hijacking.

hijack British  

/ ˈhaɪˌdʒæk /

verb

1. (tr) to seize, divert, or appropriate (a vehicle or the goods it carries) while in transit

   to hijack an aircraft

2. to rob (a person or vehicle) by force

   to hijack a traveller

3. (esp in the US during Prohibition) to rob (a bootlegger or smuggler) of his illicit goods or to steal (illicit goods) in transit

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noun

1. the act or an instance of hijacking

Other Word Forms

• antihijack adjective
• hijacker noun

Etymology

Origin of hijack

An Americanism dating back to 1920–25; back formation from hijacker

Example Sentences

The late author’s message held lessons about life, but we’ll hijack it for one about financial markets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

They eventually agreed terms, but too late to prevent arch-rivals Arsenal launching an 11th hour hijack to seal a £60m switch from Crystal Palace.

From BBC • Jan. 9, 2026

By layering these techniques, the researchers built the clearest picture yet of how TFE3 oncofusions hijack RNA to build cancer's growth hubs.

From Science Daily • Oct. 22, 2025

But the musical belongs to Juliet, and Webb has the vocal prowess to hijack the stage whenever she’s soaring in song.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 18, 2025

“Or we could hijack someone else’s event,” Benji said.

From "Millionaires for the Month" by Stacey McAnulty

Related Words

• carjack
• commandeer
• kidnap
• steal