Synonyms of kidnapping

kidnapping 1 of 2

noun

variants also kidnaping

as in abduction

the unlawful or forcible carrying away of a person or animal

an alert system for the prompt reporting of juvenile kidnappings

Synonyms & Similar Words

• abduction
• rape
• hijacking
• snatch
• seizure
• impressment
• shanghaiing

kidnapping

2 of 2

verb

variants also kidnaping

present participle of kidnap

as in abducting

to carry away (as a person) forcibly or unlawfully

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• abducting
• capturing
• seizing
• snatching
• running off with
• making off with
• hijacking
• stealing
• crimping
• making away with
• waylaying
• impressing
• spiriting
• shanghaiing
• absconding (with)
• taking
• catching
• copping

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rescuing
• delivering
• returning
• ransoming
• restoring
• redeeming

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of kidnapping

Noun

There's crime, there's terrorism, there's no healthcare access, there's kidnapping. — CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026

He has been charged with kidnapping, molestation, lewd and lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026

But the country’s kidnapping epidemic has been overwhelmingly felt by Haitians, with gangs notorious for taking victims from among even the very poor. — Etant Dupain, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

According to multiple reports in Mexican news outlets, Jando was involved in one of the most shocking incidents in the war that erupted between Los Chapitos and Zambada’s cartel faction in the aftermath of the kidnapping. — Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

When Chinese citizens are victims of kidnapping or fraud, as was the case in the scam centers along the Myanmar border, Chinese authorities move quickly and make arrests. — Alvin Camba, Foreign Affairs, 21 Aug. 2026

Marcus Pittman and his four co-defendants all pleaded guilty to federal charges stemming from the armed robbery and kidnapping, according to prosecutors. — Niya Doyle, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026

Suddenly, fewer people carried cash, kidnapping became harder to monetize, and millions of people left the country, including young Venezuelans who might have been either victims or perpetrators of violence. — Tibisay Zea, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Aug. 2026

The book tells the story of a violent home invasion that spirals into a web of kidnapping, deception, corruption, and murder across the contemporary American South, per the synopsis. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026

Verb

One of those holding out hope is kidnapping survivor Elizabeth Smart, who was abducted from her home at age 14 in 2002 and rescued nine months later. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 24 Aug. 2026

Such attacks are common in Nigeria, where multiple armed groups operate, killing and kidnapping people for ransom. — ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026

Lakesha Shanta Brown is accused of kidnapping 4-year-old Zola Cooper and her 11-month-old sister, Norah Cooper. — Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026

Police in Georgia have arrested a babysitter accused of kidnapping two young sisters. — Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Sink emerges as Jean Grey, a powerful telepath who uses mind control to attack the organization responsible for kidnapping her sister. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Aug. 2026

Both are charged with two counts of kidnapping a federal employee. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 3 Aug. 2026

After kidnapping Sam, Borden rows away from shore and raises a shotgun to his chin. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 22 July 2026

Joseph Charles Henrichsen, 49, and Phoenix Henrichsen, 23, appeared in federal court in Sacramento on Monday but did not enter pleas to charges of kidnapping a federal employee and aiding and abetting. — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 21 July 2026