kidnap

[kid-nap]

verb (used with object)

kidnapped, kidnaped, kidnapping, kidnaping. 

1. to steal, carry off, or abduct by force or fraud, especially for use as a hostage or to extract ransom.

   Synonyms: seize

kidnap

/ ˈkɪdnæp /

verb

1. (tr) to carry off and hold (a person), usually for ransom

Other Word Forms

• kidnappee noun
• kidnapee noun
• kidnapper noun
• kidnaper noun
• unkidnaped adjective
• unkidnapped adjective
• kidnapping noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of kidnap¹

1675–85; kid ¹ + nap, variant of nab

Word History and Origins

Origin of kidnap¹

C17: _kid ¹ + obsolete nap to steal; see _nab

Example Sentences

AFP looks at the evolution of mass kidnappings in Africa's most populous country.

Read more on Barron's

Pope Leo XIV called Sunday for the release of over 300 hostages taken from a Catholic school in one of the largest mass kidnappings in Nigeria.

Read more on Barron's

Tinubu postponed a trip to the Group of 20 summit in South Africa in order to address the kidnapping crisis, according to his office.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Maldonado’s lawyer said there wasn’t proof to support extortion and kidnapping charges but didn’t elaborate.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

At a morgue in central Colombia, a young woman mourned her brother, a 16-year-old who was kidnapped by guerrillas and killed in a government bombing last week, she said.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• capture 
• hijack 
• seize 
• snatch 
• steal