variants also highjack
Definition of hijacknext
as in to commandeer
to take control of (a vehicle) by force some loser tried to hijack the plane with a toy gun

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hijack These behaviors can hijack any classroom and challenge even the best teachers. Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026 Carl says, in a confessional, that the conversation didn’t go anywhere and Kyle just hijacked it by complaining about his life. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 1 Apr. 2026 However, a hacker hijacked the account of Axios' lead developer and quietly introduced two malicious software versions on Monday night, according to cybersecurity vendor StepSecurity. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026 In 1976, with dictator Idi Amin aggressively opposing Israel, four terrorists hijacked Air France Flight 139 on its way from Tel Aviv to France. Paul Tilsley, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hijack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hijack
Verb
  • Imagine, then, commandeering a private plane for the ultimate two-week adventure entirely on your own terms.
    Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 28 Apr. 2026
  • After being commandeered into a hospital during World War I, the hotel was purchased in 1957 by Jeanne Augier, who restored the property’s former glory—and then some.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • That collapse is spurred not just by Napoleon, but also outside pressure from the human-run Pilkington Corporation, intent on reclaiming the freedom that these precious cartoon animals just seized.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Israel and Egypt have imposed varying degrees of a blockade on Gaza since Hamas seized power from rival Palestinian forces in 2007.
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hijack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hijack. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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