What does skyjack mean?
Skyjack means to seize an aircraft forcibly, usually while it is in flight, or by extension to steal an unattended vehicle. The word is associated with the history of aviation security, when passengers had little formal training for resisting an armed intruder and hijacking could divert a plane or endanger those aboard. Although “hijack” is the more general term, applying to vehicles, ships, trains, and other transportation systems, “skyjack” points specifically toward aircraft or, historically, the act of taking control of one. In modern usage it is mainly encountered in reports of attempted or completed aircraft hijackings and in discussions of aviation security. The word is unambiguously criminal and is not normally used figuratively without suggesting an unauthorized or forceful seizure.
To take control of an aircraft forcibly or by threat; by extension, to steal an unattended vehicle.
"Two men attempted to skyjack the aircraft shortly after takeoff."
Chiefly used with aircraft and vehicles. It normally implies force, threat, or unauthorized seizure.
The act of forcibly taking control of an aircraft or, by extension, stealing an unattended vehicle.
"The trial concerned an alleged skyjacking in the early years of commercial aviation."
Chiefly historical or used in aviation-security contexts; plural “skyjackings.”
The plural is used for individual acts of taking control of an aircraft or stealing a vehicle.
"The series of aircraft skyjackings led to major changes in airport security."
Before airport security became standardized, skyjacking was a bold airborne crime with dramatic potential—and little resistance from passengers.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does skyjack come from?
Skyjack is an early twentieth-century compound formed from “sky” and “jack,” using the long-established sense of “jack” meaning a thief. It emerged in English in connection with the theft or unauthorized seizure of aircraft. “Hijack” belongs to the same broad word family and developed around the same period, but denotes the more general seizure of a vehicle or transportation system.
Related word forms
How skyjack is actually used
The word is most strongly associated with aviation and is now uncommon outside accounts of aviation security, terrorism, and crime. It is usually transitive and carries a strongly negative, criminal connotation.
Easily confused with skyjack
Hijacking is the broader term for forcibly taking control of any vehicle or transportation system, whereas skyjacking specifically refers to taking an aircraft, and by extension to stealing a vehicle.