hijacker
UK: ˈhaɪdʒækə | US: ˈhaɪdʒækər
n. a person who illegally seizes control of a vehicle, aircraft, or ship by force
n. (figuratively) someone who takes over or disrupts a system, event, or process
hijacker = hijack<illegally seize> + er<agent noun suffix>
- hijack: Likely derived from "high" (suggesting elevation or importance) + "jack" (slang for "take over," possibly from "jackknife" or "hijacker" itself). The term emerged in the 1920s during Prohibition, referring to thieves commandeering alcohol shipments.
- er: A suffix denoting a person who performs an action (e.g., "teacher," "runner").
Etymology Origin:
The word "hijack" originated in American slang, possibly blending "high" (emphasizing the boldness of the act) and "jack" (colloquial for stealing). By adding "-er," it formed "hijacker" to label the perpetrator. The term gained prominence with the rise of vehicle and aircraft seizures in the 20th century.
The hijacker demanded the pilot divert the plane to another country.
Authorities arrested the hijacker after a tense standoff.
Cybersecurity experts work to prevent data hijackers from exploiting systems.
The documentary explored the motives of the infamous 1970s hijackers.
A hijacker took control of the bus, but passengers overpowered him.