skyjack

[skahy-jak] /ˈskaɪˌdʒæk/
verb (used with object)
1.
to hijack (an airliner), especially in order to hold the passengers and plane for ransom or for political reasons.
Origin
1965-70; sky + (hi)jack
Related forms
skyjacker, noun
Can be confused
hijack, kidnap, shanghai, skyjack.
British Dictionary definitions for skyjack

skyjack

/ˈskaɪˌdʒæk/
verb
1.
(transitive) to commandeer (an aircraft), usually at gunpoint during flight, forcing the pilot to fly somewhere other than to the scheduled destination
Derived Forms
skyjacker, noun
Word Origin
C20: from sky + hijack
Word Origin and History for skyjack
v.

"to hijack an airplane," 1961, apparently coined in New York "Mirror" headlines, from sky (n.) + second element of hijack (q.v.).

Slang definitions & phrases for skyjack

skyjack

noun

: the week's third skyjack to Cuba (1968+)

verb

To take control of an aircraft illegally, usually by claiming to have a weapon or a bomb; commit air piracy (1961+)

[modeled on hijack]