kidnap
verb (used with object)
to steal, carry off, or abduct by force or fraud, especially for use as a hostage or to extract ransom.
kidnapping
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present participleof kidnap.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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a word derived from
kidnap.
kidnapverb (used with object)to steal, carry off, or abduct by force or fraud, especially for use as a hostage or to extract ransom.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A team from the Journal abruptly left Baghdad this month after Iraqi, U.S. and European officials warned of a security threat that American officials later said was a kidnapping risk by a Shiite militia.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 30, 2026
Officers suspect the remains belong to kidnapping victims, although forensic and other investigations are ongoing to establish their identities and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
From BBC ● Sep. 28, 2026
The State Department has the nation of Haiti under a “Level 4 – Do not travel” advisory, due to the relatively high risk of “crime, kidnapping, terrorism, unrest, and limited health care.”
From Salon ● Sep. 3, 2026
Despite its globe-trotting kidnapping plot, much of the movie’s tension comes down to people in rooms trying to persuade an old man to part with his money.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 20, 2026
“Do you remember the affair of the Armstrong kidnapping, Mrs. Hubbard?” he asked.
From "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie
