Definition of hijack

The word "hijack" has its origins in the English language and is believed to have originated in the late 19th century. At that time, the word "jack" was commonly used in the English seafaring tradition to refer to various small objects or tools, such as a pulley or a tool for lifting heavy objects. In the late 1800s, a group of criminals began using the term "hijack" to refer to their illicit activities on board ships. By "hijacking" a ship, they would seize control of it, often through force or deceit, and demand ransom or loot from the passengers and crew. The term "hijack" soon expanded beyond its origins in maritime affairs, as criminals began using it to describe their efforts to commandeer other forms of transportation, such as trains, cars, and even airplanes. By the mid-20th century, the word "hijack" had become a well-established term in everyday English, and was widely used to refer to the unlawful seizure of any type of vehicle or transportation system. Today, the word "hijack" continues to carry a strong connotation of danger and criminal activity, and is commonly associated with terrorist attacks on airplanes and other high-profile incidents involving violence or extortion against innocent civilians.