hijack

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   seize control of

   they hijacked the judicial process

2. 2
   verb

   To seize control of some process or resource to achieve a purpose other than its originally intended one.

   hijack the radio show

3. 3
   noun

   An instance of a seizure and redirection of a process.

   I opened my closet door and stared. Should I pack my good suit and black loafers? Uh-uh. Travel light. Think positive. Go there, get done whatever there was to do, and get back. I loved Lolly, but I couldn't let her stroke hijack my life. How many guys would do this much for their aunt?

4. 4
   noun

   A highwayman, robber.

   One lone "high-jack" held up 11 harvest hands in a freight car [...] last night, making a clean getaway with slightly over $180.

5. 5
   noun

   seizure of a vehicle in transit either to rob it or divert it to an alternate destination

6. 6
   verb

   take arbitrarily or by force

7. 7
   verb

   To forcibly seize control of some vehicle in order to rob it or to reach a destination (especially an airplane, truck or a boat).

8. 8
   verb

   To introduce an amendment deleting the contents of a bill and inserting entirely new provisions.

Etymology

Possibly from a blend of highway + jacker (“one who holds up”) (1915).