The correct spelling of the word is "hijacked" /ˈhaɪdʒæk̚t/. The word is pronounced with two syllables, with the first syllable "hi" which represents the phoneme /haɪ/ and the second syllable "jacked" which is represented by the phonemes /dʒæk̚t/. The word refers to the act of forcefully taking control of a vehicle or aircraft by someone other than the authorized personnel. Incorrect spelling, "highjacked" is a common mistake due to the interchangeability of the letters "i" and "e."
"Highjacked" is a verb that refers to the act of illegally, forcibly, or unexpectedly taking control of a vehicle, aircraft, ship, or any means of transportation, with the intention of using it for one's own purposes, usually involving threats or violence. The term is commonly used to describe the unlawful seizure of control over such a vehicle or vessel by individuals or groups, who initiate this action with the objective of accomplishing their own goals, generally involving coercion, political aims, or ransom demands.
The term "highjacked" can also be extended to describe situations outside of transportation, referring to any act where control or authority is unlawfully seized. For instance, it may be used in the context of computer systems or technology, where unauthorized individuals or entities forcefully gain access or manipulate systems without permission, often for malicious intents such as stealing information, financial gain, or disruption of services.
The word "highjacked" is derived from "hijack," which originally denoted the robbery of cargo from a moving vehicle, typically referring to early 19th-century occurrences. Over time, the term has evolved to include the unauthorized seizure and control of various means of transport and other domains, becoming widely recognized and adopted globally due to its association with criminal acts and security breaches.
The word hijack originated in the early 20th century. It is believed to have derived from the phrase high jack, which was slang used by thieves and tramps in the United States around the 1870s. High jack referred to robbing or pillaging, especially on board trains. Over time, the term evolved to specifically describe the act of taking control of an aircraft by force or threat, which is its most common usage today. The addition of the -ed suffix to hijack forms the past tense hijacked.