highjack: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumNeutral to Formal
Quick answer
What does “highjack” mean?
To seize control of something (like a vehicle, aircraft, or process) unlawfully by force.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To seize control of something (like a vehicle, aircraft, or process) unlawfully by force.
To co-opt or take over something for one's own purposes, e.g., 'The discussion was hijacked by off-topic arguments.'
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
'Hijack' is the primary and more common spelling in both British and American English. 'Highjack' is an older variant occasionally seen but is largely considered nonstandard or dated.
Connotations
The 'highjack' spelling may evoke an older, perhaps more 'frontier' or 'wild west' style, but it's not the modern standard.
Frequency
Extremely low. 'Hijack' is overwhelmingly dominant in published and edited texts.
Grammar
How to Use “highjack” in a Sentence
[SUBJ] highjack [OBJ:vehicle/event][SUBJ] highjack [OBJ] for [PURPOSE]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “highjack” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The thieves planned to highjack the lorry on the M1.
- He tried to highjack the debate with personal anecdotes.
American English
- Outlaws would highjack stagecoaches in the old tales.
- Don't let him highjack the committee's agenda.
adjective
British English
- The highjack attempt was foiled by air marshals.
- A highjack scenario was part of their training.
American English
- They enacted a highjack drill at the airport.
- The film depicted a highjack situation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorical: 'We can't let one department highjack the quarterly review.'
Academic
In political science or history texts on terrorism/piracy.
Everyday
Describing an unwanted takeover of a conversation, event, or plan.
Technical
In aviation/maritime security contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “highjack”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “highjack”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “highjack”
- Misspelling the standard modern form as 'highjack'.
- Using it intransitively (e.g., 'They highjacked' is incomplete).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a historical variant, but 'hijack' is the universally accepted standard spelling in modern English.
The etymology is uncertain but it appeared in the 1920s in the context of Prohibition-era robberies. 'Highjack' may reflect an association with the command 'High, Jack!' or highway robbery.
Yes, it is very commonly used metaphorically to mean 'to take over something (like a conversation, meeting, or process) in an unwanted or forceful way.'
No. For clarity and modernity, always use the spelling 'hijack'.
To seize control of something (like a vehicle, aircraft, or process) unlawfully by force.
Highjack is usually neutral to formal in register.
Highjack: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪ.dʒæk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪˌdʒæk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't let them highjack the conversation.”
- “It's a highjack job.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'highwayman' using force to 'jack' (steal) your goods - it's a 'highjack'.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONVERSATION/EVENT IS A VEHICLE (one can be hijacked).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the standard modern spelling?