kidnapped also kidnaped
ˈkid-ˌnapt 
; kidnapping also kidnaping
; kidnapping also kidnaping
: to seize and detain or carry away by unlawful force or fraud and often with a demand for ransom
kidnapper
noun
or less commonly kidnaper
Examples of kidnap in a Sentence
the child of the wealthy industrialist was kidnapped and held for ransom
Recent Examples on the Web
According to the outlets, after killing David and Gladys Larke, Sigmon kidnapped his ex-girlfriend at gunpoint.
—
Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 22 Feb. 2025
His conviction included enhancements for kidnapping multiple victims and using a knife in the crimes, prosecutors said.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 22 Feb. 2025
All four were kidnapped from Nir Oz, a village near Gaza that was devastated in Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
—Johnatan Reiss, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
The Berlinale has always been a political festival — on opening night, new fest head Tricia Tuttle joined a red carpet protest in support of an Israeli actor who was kidnapped by Hamas.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for kidnap
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Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 22 Feb. 2025
His conviction included enhancements for kidnapping multiple victims and using a knife in the crimes, prosecutors said.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 22 Feb. 2025
All four were kidnapped from Nir Oz, a village near Gaza that was devastated in Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
—Johnatan Reiss, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
The Berlinale has always been a political festival — on opening night, new fest head Tricia Tuttle joined a red carpet protest in support of an Israeli actor who was kidnapped by Hamas.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for kidnap
Articles Related to kidnap
Cite this Entry
“Kidnap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kidnap. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Legal Definition
Etymology
probably back-formation from kidnapper, from kid child + obsolete napper thief
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