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 White House has time and again resorted to military force, striking boats in the Caribbean, kidnapping Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, blockading Cuba, and waging war on Iran. — David Sacks, Foreign Affairs, 6 Nov. 2026

Stephen Miller is the architect of the unconstitutional ICE raids that have terrorized our communities and kidnapped and killed American citizens and immigrant families. — Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2026

This, in turn, affects another scene (albeit a smaller one) in which Ravana and his siblings bicker over whether to kidnap Sita in the first place. — Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2026

In the novel, Eliza’s children are kidnapped by the King’s men who demand possession of a rare and powerful elixir that holds sway over life and death in exchange for their safe return. — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026