The word "skyjacked" is spelled as /ˈskaɪ.dʒækt/, with the stress on the first syllable. The IPA phonetic transcription explains that the first sound is "sk," which is a voiceless velar stop, followed by "ai," representing the diphthong sound in "eye." The next syllable is pronounced with a voiced velar stop, "g," and a dental consonant, "j," indicating the change of consonant pronunciation. The last syllable ends with a voiceless alveolar stop, "t." The term "skyjacked" refers to hijacking an aircraft in-flight, a serious crime that is no longer commonly used.
Skyjacked is a verb that refers to the act of illegally seizing control of an aircraft, usually by threatening or using force against the crew, passengers, or the aircraft itself. It involves taking command of a commercial airplane or any other type of aircraft, typically for criminal or political purposes.
The term skyjacked originates from the combination of "sky" and "hijack," highlighting the unauthorized takeover of an aircraft within the realm of the sky. It is often associated with the act of forcing the pilot to change flight course or destination under duress, demanded by the skyjackers. These individuals may be driven by various motivations such as terrorism, political objectives, or personal grievances.
Skyjacking incidents have been a prominent concern in aviation history, particularly during the late 20th century when hijackings occurred with relative frequency. This led to the implementation of strict security measures and protocols to prevent such events and protect the safety of passengers and crew.
Today, skyjacking is considered a serious crime in most jurisdictions and is heavily punishable under international law. It poses significant risks not only to the individuals directly involved but also to innocent passengers and the safety of air transportation as a whole.
The word "skyjacked" is a combination of two words: "sky" and "hijacked".
The term "sky" refers to the upper region of the earth's atmosphere, often associated with the blue or open expanse above. It has Old Norse roots, derived from the Old Norse word "ski" meaning "cloud", which later evolved into the Middle English word "sky" around the 13th century.
The term "hijack" comes from the combination of two words as well. "Hi-" is an intensive prefix used in English, while "jack" refers to taking possession or control forcefully. "Jack" can be traced back to Middle English and Old French, derived from the word "jachier", meaning "to pass judgment" or "to take control".
Combining these two terms, "skyjacked" refers to forcefully taking control of an aircraft, typically through criminal means.