skyjack

[ skahy-jak ]

verb (used with object)

1. to hijack (an airliner), especially in order to hold the passengers and plane for ransom or for political reasons.

skyjack

/ ˈskaɪˌdʒæk /

verb

1. tr to commandeer (an aircraft), usually at gunpoint during flight, forcing the pilot to fly somewhere other than to the scheduled destination

Derived Forms

• ˈskyˌjacker, noun

Other Words From

• skyjacker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of skyjack¹

First recorded in 1965–70; sky + (hi)jack

Word History and Origins

Origin of skyjack¹

C20: from sky + hijack

Example Sentences

It is the only unsolved skyjacking in American history.

From Seattle Times

The country has faced condemnation over violent crackdowns by authorities around the disputed 2020 election and the subsequent skyjacking of an opposition journalist.

From Reuters

Yes, she did, because while Himmelsbach was a landmark in the only unsolved skyjacking in American history, that case was just a footnote in Himmelsbach’s story.

From Seattle Times

The skyjacking of a dissident journalist over Belarus on Sunday was a brutal action with a simple message to opponents of dictatorial President Alexander Lukashenko: We can get you anywhere.

From Washington Post

Cooper skyjacking case died earlier this month in Northern California, according to reports.

From Fox News

Related Words

• capture
• hijack
• seize
• snatch
• steal