Hijack Appeared During American Prohibition
To hijack is to seize a vehicle in transit. The word emerged among bootleggers robbing each other's liquor trucks.
To hijack is to seize control of a vehicle in transit. The word appeared in America in the 1920s, when bootleggers robbed each other's liquor shipments — the original hijacking was of a truck, not an aircraft. Aviation borrowed it in the 1960s, and computing later took it for seizing a session or a process.
- To seize a vehicle. *Hijack a plane.*
- To take over. *Hijacked the debate.*
- Hijacker — one who does it. *The hijackers were arrested.*
- Carjacking — seizing a car with the driver present. *A carjacking.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb | hijack | Hijack the lorry. |
| Past | hijacked | The flight was hijacked. |
| Noun | hijacking | A failed hijacking. |
| Person | hijacker | Four hijackers. |
| Related | carjacking | A carjacking attempt. |
How it is used in a sentence
- The meeting was hijacked by one issue.Figurative.
- The word began with bootleggers.1920s America.
- Session hijacking is a security term.Computing.
Words from Prohibition
- Hijack — originally robbing a liquor shipment
- Bootlegger — from hiding flasks in boot tops
- Speakeasy — an illegal bar, from speaking quietly about it
- Moonshine — spirits made by night
- Rum-runner — a smuggler by sea
American, from the 1920s, of uncertain origin. One suggestion is a robber's greeting, *high, jack*, but this is unproven.
Where does the word come from?
It appeared during American Prohibition for robbing liquor shipments. The precise origin is unknown despite several colourful theories.
Hijack or carjack?
Hijack covers any vehicle in transit. Carjacking specifically means taking a car from its driver by force.