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

Citing a string of incidents in which masked criminals posing as immigration officers robbed and kidnapped victims, the FBI recently issued a memo suggesting agents clearly identify themselves while they’re in the field.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

For risking his life over and over to lead dozens of people to freedom, Seidel was charged with “organizing kidnappings, and luring persons to West Berlin.”

Read more on Literature

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

Related Words

• capture 
• hijack 
• seize 
• snatch 
• steal