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Definition of hijacker

hijacker

/ˈhaɪˌdʒæk.ər/
hi · jack · er
Plural:hijackers
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hijacker Lexical Profile

hijacker Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who unlawfully seizes control of an aircraft, ship, or other vehicle while in transit through force or threats.

Example

"Negotiators worked through the night to persuade the hijacker to release the passengers unharmed."

2

A person or malicious software program that takes unauthorized control of a computer system, browser, or public discussion for its own purposes.

Example

"The cybersecurity update removed a browser hijacker that had been redirecting users to fraudulent websites."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for hijacker

• Rhymes for hijacker

• Nearby Words

hiilawe
hijab
hijack
hijacker
hijacking
hijiki
hijinks

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1920s American English during the Prohibition era, originally referring to a criminal who robbed bootleggers of their illicit liquor shipments; its exact origin is uncertain, though it may derive from the command "Put your hands up high, Jack!"

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hijacker. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hijacker
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