kidnap

verb

kid·​nap ˈkid-ˌnap 

kidnapped also kidnaped ˈkid-ˌnapt  ; kidnapping also kidnaping

transitive verb

: to seize and detain or carry away by unlawful force or fraud and often with a demand for ransom

kidnappee noun

or kidnapee

ˌkid-ˌna-ˈpē 

kidnapper noun

or less commonly kidnaper

Synonyms

• abduct

Examples of kidnap in a Sentence

the child of the wealthy industrialist was kidnapped and held for ransom

Recent Examples on the Web

The duo then quickly recall increasingly ridiculous moments from their past together, including taking a road trip, almost dying in a plane crash, being kidnapped, fighting a turf war, and meeting a ghost. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 2 Nov. 2024

ProPublica interviewed another 16 migrants in Mexico City who were kidnapped along the same stretch. —Emily Green, ProPublica, 1 Nov. 2024

When the pair are kidnapped, older daughter Naomi (James) — still dealing with trauma from a previous climbing incident — must overcome her past to save her family. —Ryan Gajewski, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Oct. 2024

Others traveling on their own have told of being extorted by Mexican authorities and kidnapped – again – by cartels near the northern border, forcing them to miss their appointments. —Maria Verza, The Denver Post, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably back-formation from kidnapper, from kid + obsolete napper thief

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

kidnap

verb

kid·​nap ˈkid-ˌnap 

kidnapped also kidnaped -ˌnapt  ; kidnapping also kidnaping

-ˌnap-iŋ

: to carry away a person by unlawful force or by fraud and against his or her will

kidnapper noun

also kidnaper

-ˌnap-ər

Legal Definition

kidnap

transitive verb

kid·​nap ˈkid-ˌnap 

kidnapped or kidnaped -ˌnapt  ; kidnapping or kidnaping

-ˌna-piŋ

: to seize and confine or carry away by force or fraud and often with a demand for ransom

kidnapper noun

or kidnaper

-ˌna-pər

Etymology

probably back-formation from kidnapper, from kid child + obsolete napper thief