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

The four men and three women were found guilty of human trafficking and kidnapping earlier this year by a South African court.

From BBC

Prosecutors will consider filing multiple criminal charges against the three suspects including kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon.

From Los Angeles Times

According to the prosecution, children were regularly kidnapped on their way to school, from the fields, deprived of their fundamental rights, and forced to kill for Kony's rebel group.

From BBC

An Amber Alert was issued Sunday afternoon after Enzo Antonescu was allegedly kidnapped at a Target store on Colima Road, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

From Los Angeles Times

They both pleaded not guilty to killing and kidnapping Vargas.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• capture 
• hijack 
• seize 
• snatch 
• steal