kidnappings

noun

variants also kidnapings
plural of kidnapping
as in abductions
the unlawful or forcible carrying away of a person or animal an alert system for the prompt reporting of juvenile kidnappings

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 kidnappings In 2025, 1,268 kidnappings were reported, a nearly 40% drop from the 2,058 kidnapping reported the previous year, the report stated. — Dánica Coto, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026 In the '30s, when the Lindbergh baby was abducted, kidnappings and ransoms were so common that high-profile people often secured kidnapping insurance. — Kase Wickman, Vanity Fair, 7 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kidnappings
  1. abductions
  2. rapes
Noun
  • Zamfara has seen a surge in killings and abductions in recent months.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • All 10 victims were apparently kidnapped in the days before their slayings, authorities say, though none of the abductions were reported to police until the bodies were discovered.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026
Definition of abductions
Noun
  • Forensic evidence and investigative findings across the multiple cases led law enforcement to identify Cerf as a suspect in the rapes, authorities said.
    — Aaron Martinez, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The office cautioned that the actual number of rapes are likely higher due because many cases go unreported by the victims due to fear of reprisal and stigmatization.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of rapes

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Cite this Entry

“Kidnappings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kidnappings. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on kidnappings

Nglish: Translation of kidnappings for Spanish Speakers

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