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

He has since been charged with kidnapping, theft by taking, simple battery, entering an automobile, cruelty to children and criminal attempt to commit a felony. — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 2 Aug. 2026

Saleem Martin, 21, has been charged with kidnapping, theft by taking, simple battery, entering automobile, cruelty to children, and criminal attempt to commit a felony, according to the Atlanta Police Department. — Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026

Investigators believe the suspect took steps in advance to prepare for her kidnapping. — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026

Back in 2002, Charlie clashed with cops over Leslie’s hospital records following her kidnapping, and their intention to interview the staff. — Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2026

Haiti is on the State Department’s do not travel list — owing to such hazards as crime, kidnapping, terrorism and unrest. — Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026

Chris Nanos, the sheriff in the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case, has released a pair of ransom notes initially sent to the CBS affiliate in her home city of Tucson, Arizona. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2026

Following Wednesday night's Chino Hills kidnapping, murder and deputy suspect shooting death, investigators say two Irvine men have been identified as the suspects, with one of them in police custody. — Julie Sharp, CBS News, 31 July 2026

If convicted on the kidnapping charges, both men face a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine, according to officials. — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 31 July 2026

Verb

Initially, both men were charged with two counts of kidnapping a federal employee and two counts of aiding and abetting. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 30 July 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

Both Joseph and Phoenix Henrichsen are charged with two counts of kidnapping federal employees. — Robert McGreevy , Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2026

Henrichsen will be charged with kidnapping a federal employee, investigators said. — Alex Stone, ABC News, 17 July 2026

He was found not guilty of kidnapping his ex but was convicted of domestic battery by strangulation. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026

And the surviving cartel scoundrels take the parting shot by kidnapping beloved Carter, putting a hood on him and taking the boy off. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 3 July 2026

One of the other six defendants, Emily Motyka, pleaded guilty to murder and kidnapping charges earlier this month, MacBride said in a June 2 statement. — Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026