skyjack: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “skyjack” mean?
To hijack an aircraft.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To hijack an aircraft.
To seize control of an aircraft, typically in flight, by force or threat of force, often for political, financial, or ideological reasons.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In both varieties, 'hijack' is the more common general term. 'Skyjack' is a more specific, less frequent synonym. American English might use it slightly more in historical/aviation security contexts from the late 20th century.
Connotations
Has a slightly dramatic or journalistic tone. It can evoke the era of frequent aircraft hijackings (1970s-1980s).
Frequency
Rare in contemporary everyday language. 'Hijack' is overwhelmingly preferred. Used primarily in historical accounts, specialized legal/security texts, or for stylistic variation in journalism.
Grammar
How to Use “skyjack” in a Sentence
[Subject: Person/Group] + skyjack + [Object: Aircraft/Flight][Subject: Person/Group] + skyjack + [Object: Aircraft/Flight] + for + [Purpose: Ransom/Asylum]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “skyjack” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The terrorists planned to skyjack the commercial airliner over international waters.
- Several attempts to skyjack aircraft were thwarted by enhanced security.
American English
- The fugitives attempted to skyjack a plane to force their way to Cuba.
- New legislation imposed harsh penalties for anyone who skyjacks an aircraft.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form]
American English
- [No standard adverb form]
adjective
British English
- [The derived adjective is 'skyjacking', e.g.,] The skyjacking incident led to a three-day standoff.
- Skyjacking threats are treated with utmost seriousness.
American English
- [The derived adjective is 'skyjacking', e.g.,] The 1970s saw a peak in skyjacking episodes.
- Skyjacking protocols were immediately activated.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in aviation insurance or risk assessment reports.
Academic
Used in historical, political science, or terrorism studies discussing aviation security history.
Everyday
Very rare. The more general 'hijack' is used.
Technical
Used in aviation law and security protocols, though 'hijacking' or 'unlawful seizure' are more standard technical terms.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “skyjack”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “skyjack”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “skyjack”
- Using 'skyjack' for hijacking a bus or train (it's aircraft-specific).
- Confusing it with 'skydive'.
- Using it as a noun for the person (the correct term is 'skyjacker' or 'hijacker').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost, but 'skyjack' is specifically for aircraft. You can hijack a truck, a ship, or a broadcast, but you can only skyjack an aeroplane or helicopter.
No, it's quite rare. Since the 1970s-80s, the general term 'hijack' is almost always used, even for aircraft. 'Skyjack' is found more in historical or journalistic contexts.
A 'skyjacker'. However, 'hijacker' is far more common.
Its primary use is as a verb. The event itself is usually called a 'skyjacking' (noun) or more commonly, a 'hijacking'.
To hijack an aircraft.
Skyjack is usually formal, journalistic in register.
Skyjack: in British English it is pronounced /ˈskaɪdʒæk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈskaɪˌdʒæk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'skyjack']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A JACK in the SKY. Someone uses force to 'jack' (lift/steal) a plane from the sky.
Conceptual Metaphor
AIRCRAFT IS A VEHICLE / CRIME IS A TAKEOVER.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'to skyjack'?