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
  • After he’s randomly slapped by multiple women, Barney commandeers Ted and Marshall’s March Madness bracket to figure out which of his past conquests is sabotaging his love life.
    — Erin Strecker, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Instead, Brooks and his stellar band commandeer the show on merit alone.
    — Heather Bushman, USA Today, 21 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
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Cite this Entry

“Hijack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hijack. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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