What does hijacked mean?
Hijacked is the past tense and past participle of hijack. Its most familiar meaning is forcibly taking control of an aircraft or another vehicle, a use associated with criminal or terrorist acts. The verb also has a broader technical and figurative sense: to seize, redirect, or take over a communication channel, broadcast, signal, or conversation without authorization. In political and social commentary, describing something as hijacked often suggests that a person or group has diverted attention, discussion, or resources from their intended purpose. The word carries a strong implication of force, illegitimacy, and disruption. It is used in both British and American English, with the same core meanings, although the surrounding vocabulary may vary. Although the term is sometimes confused with the older spelling “high-jacked,” “hijacked” is now standard in formal writing and is the appropriate choice for both literal vehicle seizures and figurative takeovers.
verbTo seize control of a vehicle, especially an aircraft, by force or threat. More broadly, to take over or redirect something without authorization or permission.
- To forcibly seize control of a vehicle, especially an aircraft.
- To take over or redirect a communication, broadcast, signal, or conversation without authorization.
- To commandeer or appropriate something for a different purpose, especially in a broader or figurative sense.
"The passengers remained calm after the aircraft was hijacked by armed men."
"The criminals attempted to hijack the train, but the driver managed to reach the control room."
"The broadcast was hijacked by an unauthorized group, preventing the emergency message from reaching listeners."
"The campaign was accused of hijacking the debate rather than addressing the original proposal."
A hijacked aircraft becomes a stage for a very different kind of flight plan: one imposed by force rather than by the pilot.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of hijacked
The word derives from “hijack,” whose ultimate origin is uncertain, though it is commonly linked to the Dutch verb “hijken,” associated with stealing or forcibly taking. The compound meaning developed in the context of taking control of ships and later aircraft. “Hijacker” and “hijacking” are later formations based on the same verb, and the modern past form is “hijacked.”
Related word forms
How hijacked is actually used
The term is strongly associated with the forceful seizure of aircraft and vehicles, which accounts for its serious and often sensational connotations. In figurative use, it can describe commandeering a conversation, broadcast, or agenda; this use is less alarming but still suggests an unauthorized or disruptive takeover.
Easily confused with hijacked
Although “high-jacked” can mean stolen by force, it is more often used in the context of vehicles, while “hijacked” also commonly means taking over a conversation, broadcast, or other communication channel.