kidnap

[ kid-nap ]

verb (used with object)

, kid·napped or kid·naped, kid·nap·ping or kid·nap·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• ˈkidnapping, noun
• ˈkidnapper, noun

Other Words From

• kidnap·pee kidnap·ee noun
• kidnap·per kidnap·er noun
• un·kidnaped adjective
• un·kidnapped adjective

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

That third-party candidate, Thomas Leager, had ties to the plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

From Salon

"By allowing Ugandan security operatives to cross into Kenya and essentially kidnap these individuals, Kenya has failed in its duty to safeguard the liberty and wellbeing of all people on its territory, regardless of their nationality or political affiliations," the Observer said in an editorial.

From BBC

Moved by his messaging, his followers and other hard-right conservatives have railed against COVID-19 restrictions, threatened teachers and librarians opposed to book banning and, in a radical case, plotted to kidnap Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

From Los Angeles Times

They were all found guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court of conspiracy to kidnap and conspiracy to commit false imprisonment in July.

From BBC

How did he end up persuading his followers to storm a court and attempt to kidnap a senior coroner?

From BBC

Related Words

• capture
• hijack
• seize
• snatch
• steal