kɒmənˈdɪə(r) ˈhaɪ.dʒæk ˈhaɪ.dʒæk ˈpaɪ̯(ə)ɹɪt seizure of a vehicle in transit either to rob it or divert it to an alternate destination take arbitrarily or by force The Cubans commandeered the plane and flew it to Miami