Hijack vs. Kidnap — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 5, 2024
Hijack involves illegally seizing control of a vehicle, particularly in transit, whereas kidnapping is the act of unlawfully taking someone by force, typically to hold them captive.
Difference Between Hijack and Kidnap
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Hijacking primarily targets vehicles such as planes, ships, or buses, focusing on seizing control for political or criminal purposes. In contrast, kidnapping involves abducting an individual, often for ransom or to exert pressure.
Hijackers generally aim to take over a vehicle to achieve a broader agenda, such as making political statements or demanding ransoms for the vehicle and its passengers. Kidnapping, however, usually targets specific individuals for personal or financial gain.
The methods involved in hijacking often require the perpetrators to confront multiple people, as vehicles usually carry more than one person. Conversely, kidnappers might target an individual in isolation, making the act more secretive and personal.
The legal repercussions of both crimes are severe, yet the international implications of hijacking, especially of airplanes, can trigger global security responses. Kidnapping tends to be handled more within national or local jurisdictions unless it involves high-profile or international victims.
Victims of hijacking are typically random passengers, reflecting the impersonal nature of the crime. Kidnapping victims are often chosen based on personal or financial criteria, indicating a more targeted approach.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Illegally seizing control of a vehicle in transit.
Unlawfully abducting someone by force.
Primary Targets
Vehicles (planes, ships, buses).
Individuals.
Typical Motives
Political statements, ransom for vehicle/passengers.
Ransom, personal/financial gain.
Operational Scale
Often involves multiple victims or hostages.
Usually involves a single individual or a few people.
Legal and International Impact
Can involve international laws and security measures.
Mostly handled within national or local jurisdictions.
Compare with Definitions
Hijack
To hack into and take control of a computer system.
Cybercriminals hijacked the company's server to demand a ransom.
Kidnap
To use abduction as a tactic for coercion or terror.
Kidnapping has become a common tactic among organized crime groups.
Hijack
To redirect the purpose or trajectory of something against the will of the original controllers.
The discussion was hijacked by attendees with their own agendas.
Kidnap
To unlawfully seize an individual by force or deceit.
The child was kidnapped from the playground during lunch.
Hijack
To take over a vehicle by force, often involving hostages.
The pirates hijacked the cargo ship near the coast.
Kidnap
To involuntarily confine someone, often involving moving them to another location.
He was kidnapped and taken to a remote farmhouse.
Hijack
To commandeering broadcast signals.
The radio station was hijacked and broadcasted propaganda.
Kidnap
To abduct someone and hold them captive, typically for ransom.
The billionaire’s daughter was kidnapped for a hefty ransom.
Hijack
To illegally seize control of a vehicle while in transit.
The terrorists hijacked the airplane midway through its flight.
Kidnap
To detain someone against their will and hide them from authorities.
The activists were kidnapped and kept in an undisclosed location.
Hijack
To seize control of (a vehicle such as an airplane or bus) by use of force, especially as a way of reaching an alternate destination or as an act of terrorism.
Kidnap
To abduct or confine (a person) forcibly, by threat of force, or by deceit, without the authority of law.
Hijack
To kidnap (a person in a vehicle)
People who have experienced the trauma of being hijacked.
Kidnap
(transitive) To seize or detain a person unlawfully and move or conceal them; sometimes for ransom.
Hijack
To stop and rob (a vehicle in transit).
Kidnap
The crime, or an instance, of kidnapping.
Hijack
To steal (goods) from a vehicle in transit.
Kidnap
To take (any one) by force or fear, and against one's will, with intent to carry to another place.
You may reason or expostulate with the parents, but never attempt to kidnap their children, and to make proselytes of them.
Hijack
To take control of (something) without permission or authorization and use it for one's own purposes
Dissidents who hijacked the town council.
Spammers who hijacked a computer network.
Kidnap
Take away to an undisclosed location against their will and usually in order to extract a ransom;
The industrialist's son was kidnapped
Hijack
To steal or appropriate for oneself
Hijacked her story and used it in his own book.
Hijack
The act or an instance of hijacking.
Hijack
To forcibly seize control of some vehicle in order to rob it or to reach a destination (especially an airplane, truck or a boat).
Hijack
To seize control of some process or resource to achieve a purpose other than its originally intended one.
Hijack the radio show
Hijack
(computing) To seize control of a networked computer by means of infecting it with a worm or other malware, thereby turning it into a zombie.
Hijack
(computing) To change software settings without a user's knowledge so as to force that user to visit a certain web site.
To hijack a browser
Hijack
(politics) To introduce an amendment deleting the contents of a bill and inserting entirely new provisions.
Hijack
An instance of hijacking; the illegal seizure of a vehicle; a hijacking.
Hijack
An instance of a seizure and redirection of a process.
Hijack
(politics) An amendment which deletes the contents of a bill and inserts entirely new provisions.
Hijack
(poker slang) Preflop, the position two before the dealer.
Hijack
(obsolete) A highwayman, robber.
Hijack
Seizure of a vehicle in transit either to rob it or divert it to an alternate destination
Hijack
Take arbitrarily or by force;
The Cubans commandeered the plane and flew it to Miami
Common Curiosities
What are the typical motives for kidnapping?
Typical motives include personal or financial gain, often through ransom demands.
How do hijack and kidnap differ in terms of targets?
Hijacking targets vehicles like planes or buses, while kidnapping focuses on individuals.
What is hijacking?
Hijacking is the act of illegally seizing control of a vehicle, often in transit, typically to fulfill a criminal or political purpose.
Is kidnapping always for ransom?
Not always, but ransom is a common motive. Other reasons can include coercion, revenge, or political influence.
Are the legal consequences for hijacking different from kidnapping?
Yes, both are serious crimes, but hijacking can involve international laws and greater security measures.
How do authorities respond to hijacking incidents?
Responses typically involve multi-agency or international cooperation, especially if aviation is involved.
How does kidnapping impact the victim's family?
It causes extreme distress and urgency, often involving negotiations for the safe release of the loved one.
What are common motives behind hijacking?
Common motives include political agendas or demanding ransom for the vehicle and its occupants.
Can someone be both kidnapped and hijacked at the same time?
Yes, particularly in cases where individuals are abducted from hijacked vehicles.
What does it mean to kidnap someone?
Kidnapping refers to the act of unlawfully abducting an individual, typically to hold them for ransom or as leverage.
Can hijacking involve a single individual?
While possible, hijacking generally affects multiple people, as it usually involves taking control of a vehicle with passengers.
Do hijackers usually operate alone?
Hijackers often work in groups to overpower the crew and passengers.
What types of vehicles are most commonly hijacked?
Aircraft, ships, and sometimes buses are among the most commonly hijacked vehicles.
What are the psychological effects of being kidnapped or hijacked?
Both can lead to long-lasting psychological trauma, including PTSD and anxiety.
How has the approach to handling hijacking changed over the years?
Increased security measures and international cooperation have evolved significantly, especially in aviation security.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
