noun

hijacker

hijacker

The hijacker forced the pilot to change course.

The hijacker forced the pilot to change course.

Police negotiated with the hijacker for hours.

Police negotiated with the hijacker for hours.

((a/the)) hijacker a person who hijacks a vehicle The hijacker had a weapon.

Synonyms: terrorist, kidnapper (in a broader sense)

From the verb 'hijack' + the agent suffix '-er'. The origin of 'hijack' is uncertain, possibly from a command to 'hold high' or a greeting 'Hi, Jack!' used as a ruse.

Think of the phrase 'Hi, Jack!' being used to distract someone before taking control of their vehicle. The '-er' suffix simply means 'a person who does' this.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.