Hijack

To seize control of a vehicle (such as an airplane, bus, or train) or other means of transport by force, typically to reach a political or personal goal. Figuratively, it can also mean to take control of something for one's own purposes, often in a way that is forceful or unwelcome. This can apply to conversations, projects, or even the broader narrative of an event. The core meaning involves a forceful takeover that disrupts the intended purpose or direction.

Hijack meaning with examples

• The terrorists attempted to hijack the passenger plane, aiming to use the hostages as leverage for their political demands. The crew and passengers bravely fought back, preventing the plane from reaching their intended target. Ultimately, the ensuing struggle resulted in the tragic loss of life, underscoring the brutality of such acts of aggression.
• During the debate, the candidate tried to hijack the conversation, steering it away from the economic issues and focusing instead on their opponent's personal life. Their actions were criticized for being a manipulative tactic that avoided addressing the real concerns of the voters and demonstrated a lack of respect for the democratic process.
• The software company’s CEO, in a last-minute decision, decided to hijack the team's presentation on its new product. Replacing the original content, the CEO instead promoted his personal views, surprising employees. His action was viewed by the team as unprofessional and damaging to the original vision for the product launch.
• A group of protesters attempted to hijack the truck carrying medical supplies. The aim was to redistribute them in a way that aligned with their beliefs. This led to confrontation and a struggle over the cargo, which caused delays for those who critically needed the equipment during a humanitarian crisis.
• After the accident, some lawyers attempted to hijack the narrative surrounding the event, fabricating false claims against the manufacturer, for their personal financial gain. This involved spreading misinformation and exploiting the victim’s family. They hoped to influence public perception and use the tragedy for their own benefit.