The word Hijack is usually associated with the violent or forced theft of a mode of transport, often with people still inside. The word is also frequently applied to a person taking over any events that have already begun. The earliest known reference to it can be traced to English highwaymen who would steal coaches at musket point. They would use the words “Hold 'em high, Jack”, telling everybody on the coach to hold their hands in the air while he took control.