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
The 1982 comedy musical saw Burnett as a ruthless orphanage head mistress who, assisted by her younger brother (played by Tim Curry) and his wife (Bernadette Peters), plotted to kidnap the titular child after she was adopted by a billionaire.
—
Zoey Lyttle, Peoplemag, 26 Apr. 2024
In March 2022, the two men also kidnapped and robbed another person in Park City, officials said.
—Paloma Chavez, Sacramento Bee, 26 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for kidnap 
Zoey Lyttle, Peoplemag, 26 Apr. 2024
In March 2022, the two men also kidnapped and robbed another person in Park City, officials said.
—Paloma Chavez, Sacramento Bee, 26 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for kidnap
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'kidnap.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Kidnap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kidnap. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Legal Definition
Etymology
probably back-formation from kidnapper, from kid child + obsolete napper thief
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