kidnapped 1 of 2

variants also kidnaped
Definition of kidnappednext

kidnapped

2 of 2

verb

variants also kidnaped
past tense of kidnap

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of kidnapped
Verb
The governor was embroiled in a scandal in 2023 involving the Sinaloa cartel, in which his name was published in a letter written by a then-Sinaloa cartel capo whose leaders of a rival faction the cartel had kidnapped. CBS News, 2 May 2026 Cartel members stole ballot boxes and kidnapped or intimidated opponents to drop out of the race to ensure his victory, according to the indictment. Mauricio Torres, CNN Money, 2 May 2026 To elevate Rocha Moya in the 2021 election, the indictment alleges, says the Chapitos manipulated ballots and kidnapped and intimidated his opponents. Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026 However, no ransom was ever paid, and no proof of life was ever produced, which has left Clemente to theorize that perhaps Nancy was kidnapped to torment her family. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 30 Apr. 2026 When Sam is kidnapped by the Italian mafia, Creasy vows to get her back safely and seek vengeance on her kidnappers. Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026 When Juan Perea—the son of a prominent congressman—is kidnapped, Zuzunaga is assigned to carry out a solitary investigation in a city neighborhood teeming with suspects. William Earl, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026 Hearn said Gaddis had been stalking the boy’s mother, and allegedly kidnapped the boy and his mother and forced them into an apartment complex near the location where the child’s body was ultimately found. City News Service, Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026 Investigators subsequently learned she had been kidnapped at knifepoint and taken from her bedroom by Brian David Mitchell and his wife, Wanda Barzee. Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kidnapped
Adjective
  • The statement did not say how old the abducted schoolchildren are but the term ‘pupil’ in Nigeria usually refers to someone in kindergarten or primary school, typically covering ages up to 12.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Savannah Guthrie is making a last-minute plea for help in finding her abducted mother, Nancy Guthrie.
    Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Why moisture control matters most Bathrooms are humid by design, but trapped moisture is the single biggest driver of buildup, mold and air-quality concerns.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The teams joined forces on the final part of the ascent, but when a savage storm struck on a section known as the Chandelle, the men became trapped on the pillar for four days and nights without food, shelter, or escape.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 30 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kidnapped.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kidnapped. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on kidnapped

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster