# hijacking

/ˈhaɪˌdʒækɪŋ/ (US) · /hˈaɪdʒækɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hijacking
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

the act of taking control of a vehicle, like a plane or bus, by force. You can also use it when someone takes over a conversation or a computer system without permission.

For teachers: the illegal seizure of a vehicle, aircraft, or ship while in transit, typically by force or threat of violence. In modern contexts, it also refers to the unauthorised takeover of a digital account or the redirection of a discussion toward a different topic.

## Examples

- The hijacking of the plane lasted for three days.
- Airport security measures were significantly tightened following the attempted hijacking of a commercial flight last summer.
- While physical hijacking remains a severe security threat, the digital hijacking of social media accounts has become a more frequent tool for spreading misinformation and damaging corporate reputations.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the general crime; countable when referring to a specific incident.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.