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 In 1970, Mimi was on Trans World Airlines Flight 741 when it got rerouted from Tel Aviv to to Jordan after it was hijacked by members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Literary Hub, 2 Mar. 2026 The institutions that are supposed to solve collective action problems have been hijacked or subverted. Sarah Jeong, The Verge, 1 Mar. 2026 Advertisement The stories of the extremists who hijacked the 1970s demonstrate quite clearly that terrorism is never simply a product of state sponsorship or a case of individuals being mad, bad or misled. Jason Burke, Time, 27 Feb. 2026 But its opponents fear the mayor's power over the board could allow interest groups to hijack public education in the city via money and political influence. Hayleigh Colombo, IndyStar, 26 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hijack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hijack
Verb
  • At great risk to its business, Anthropic is taking a principled stand in the face of threats from the administration to commandeer its cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology.
    Editorial Board, Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Families and friends pile into cardboard watercraft of their own construction to commandeer through a course that, most of the time, ends with sinking vessels.
    Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • During their investigation, officials seized more than 175 pounds of methamphetamine and fentanyl.
    Chelsea Hylton, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026
  • During the investigation, federal and local law enforcement seized more than 175 pounds of methamphetamine and fentanyl, authorities said, around $80,000 in cash and six firearms.
    Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hijack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hijack. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

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