highjacking

hi·jack also high·jack  (hjk) Informal

tr.v. hi·jacked also high·jacked, hi·jack·ing also high·jack·ing, hi·jacks also high·jacks

1.

a. To stop and rob (a vehicle in transit).

b. To steal (goods) from a vehicle in transit.

c. To seize control of (a moving vehicle) by use of force, especially in order to reach an alternate destination.

2.

a. To steal from as if by hijacking.

b. To swindle or subject to extortion.

n.

The act or an instance of hijacking.

---

[Probably back-formation from highjacker, perhaps from jacker, holdup man, from jack, to jacklight.]

---

hijacker n.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

highjacking - robbery of a traveller or vehicle in transit or seizing control of a vehicle by the use of force hijacking robbery - larceny by threat of violence buccaneering, piracy - hijacking on the high seas or in similar contexts; taking a ship or plane away from the control of those who are legally entitled to it; "air piracy"