Synonyms of kidnap

kidnap

verb

ˈkid-ˌnap 

as in to abduct

to carry away (as a person) forcibly or unlawfully

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• abduct
• capture
• seize
• snatch
• run off with
• impress
• steal
• waylay
• make away with
• spirit
• make off with
• take
• hijack
• crimp
• catch
• shanghai
• cop
• abscond (with)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deliver
• return
• rescue
• redeem
• ransom
• restore

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of kidnap

The 84-year-old woman’s family was sent multiple ransom notes when Nancy was first kidnapped in early 2026, with two of those being released in full by police in July. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 29 Sep. 2026

Katz said an image captures Stephon Sanderson trying to kidnap a 9-year-old on her way to school in 2024. — Tim McNicholas, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026

The character found himself in the midst of a crisis when Zoey Bartlet (Elisabeth Moss) was kidnapped. — Madeline Boardman, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2026

Seemingly forgotten, Aaliyah returned and was shockingly revealed to be behind attempts to kidnap and torture CIA operative Joe McNamara (Zoe Saldaña). — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026