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

Boko Haram – infamous for kidnapping the Chibok girls just over a decade ago - has been active since 2009, but its activities have been concentrated in the north-east, which has a majority Muslim population.

Read more on BBC

It would be no surprise if he went rogue and tried to handle the kidnapping himself.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In addition to its jihadist insurgency, Nigeria also faces "bandit" gangs in the northwest who stage kidnappings, village raids and killings.

Read more on Barron's

But the past decade has brought a surge in armed robberies, kidnappings and murders, turning security into a national obsession that is driving voters to the right ahead of presidential elections on November 16.

Read more on Barron's

Outrage risks paving the way for the return of well-armed vigilante groups that confronted gangs involved in extortion, kidnapping and homicide, analysts say.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• capture 
• hijack 
• seize 
• snatch 
• steal