hijack

verb

ˈhī-ˌjak How to pronounce hijack (audio)
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 Danon slammed anti-Israel critics for relying on fake terrorist data while Hamas actively hijacked and marked up aid. — Staff, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2026 Hong's shortfall compared with public polling could temper the belief that progressives have hijacked the Democratic Party. — Garrett Downs,davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026 The guide also featured a picture of Palestinian activist Leila Khaled, who gained iconic status among left-wing circles for hijacking planes in 1969 and 1970. — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 10 Aug. 2026 Digital streaks, from nightly games to professional habits, often hijack our intentions, turning recreational activities into obligations that cost us real rest. — Nell Derick Debevoise Dewey, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hijack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hijack
  1. commandeer
  2. seize
Verb
  • This data could be leveraged for surveillance or intelligence, and robots could be remotely commandeered.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • There is a seasonal meadow of two dozen native wildflowers, and a year-round spectacle of sandaster (Corethrogyne filaginifolia) commandeers much of the front yard.
    — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of commandeer
Verb
  • The next season Keegan was joint top scorer as Liverpool were champions of England for the first time in seven years and also seized the club’s historic first European trophy.
    — Michael Walker, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Internet sleuths, predictably, have seized on this ambiguity as proof of malfeasance.
    — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of seize

Browse Nearby Words

highways
hijack
hijacked
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hijack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hijack. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hijack

Nglish: Translation of hijack for Spanish Speakers

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