Synonyms for

Hijacked

Verb / ˈhaɪˌdʒækt / Another word for hijacked — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To take control of a vehicle, plane, or ship by force.

Synonyms & similar words

hijack highjack pirate commandeer seize commandeer divert pirate usurp kidnap abduct ransom extort steal appropriate confiscate occupy preempt take capture overrun invade

Synonyms by register

Formal

seized confiscated appropriated commandeered

Informal

taken nabbed swiped pinched

Literary

usurped plundered ravaged

Antonyms

returned released liberated restored freed unseized

Common collocations

  • hijacked a plane
  • hijacked a bus
  • hijacked a vehicle
  • hijacked a conversation
  • hijacked the agenda
  • hijacked the election
  • hijacked the system

Word family

noun hijacking
verb hijack
adjective hijacked

Usage note

Primarily used for the illegal seizure of vehicles, especially aircraft. Can also be used figuratively for taking control of something unexpectedly or unfairly.

Example sentences

  1. The terrorists hijacked the plane and demanded a ransom.
  2. The police chased the car that was hijacked.
  3. The pirates hijacked the cargo ship and stole the goods.
  4. The rebels hijacked the train to protest against the government.
  5. The kidnappers hijacked the school bus and took the children as hostages.

Quotes

  • I feel like my rights have been hijacked by people who are not qualified to talk about them.
  • The internet has been hijacked by the largest corporations in the world.
  • The political process has been hijacked by the media.

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