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

Who kidnapped Alex? Ar. lex and his Doctors Without Borders colleagues were kidnapped by mercenaries working for John Shagan (Martin McCann), a former military sergeant with the British Armed Forces who has a bone to pick with Abigail. —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 22 Aug. 2025

Conveniently for the drama at hand, Alex has been kidnapped in French territory, which necessitates French support in the rescue effort. —Jack King, Vulture, 21 Aug. 2025

In addition to forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes, gangs have set fire to homes and businesses, kidnapped, killed and raped people in the area. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2025

As this plan spins into motion, though, he’s told his teenage son has been kidnapped—and then realizes that his son is safe, but the son of his chauffeur, Paul (Jeffrey Wright), is missing instead. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 19 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for kidnap

• bandgap
• bitmap
• blackcap
• blackstrap
• bootstrap
• burlap
• claptrap
• entrap
• foolscap
• kneecap
• madcap
• mayhap

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