hijack

Meaning

Verb

1. To forcibly seize control of some vehicle in order to rob it or to reach a destination (especially an airplane, truck or a boat).
2. To seize control of some process or resource to achieve a purpose other than its originally intended one.
3. To seize control of a networked computer by means of infecting it with a worm or other malware, thereby turning it into a zombie.
4. To change software settings without a user's knowledge so as to force that user to visit a certain web site.
5. To introduce an amendment deleting the contents of a bill and inserting entirely new provisions.

Noun

1. An instance of hijacking; the illegal seizure of a vehicle; a hijacking.
2. An instance of a seizure and redirection of a process.
3. An amendment which deletes the contents of a bill and inserts entirely new provisions.
4. (slang) Preflop, the position two before the dealer.
5. (obsolete) A highwayman, robber.

Synonyms

highjack

kidnap

pirate

abduct

capture

usurp

take over

commandeer

skyjacking

rob

skyjack

occupy

overrun

piracy

plunder

ravish

seize

snap

snatch

swoop

take

take hold

takeover

usurpation

wrest

highjacking

shake down

hostage taking

gaining control

abduction

assumption

blackmail

despoil

exact

get hold of

grab

hijacker

hijacking

hold up

loot

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈhaɪ.dʒæk/

Etymology

Possibly from a blend of highway + jacker (“one who holds up”) (1915).