kidnap

verb

kid·​nap ˈkid-ˌnap How to pronounce kidnap (audio)
kidnapped also kidnaped ˈkid-ˌnapt How to pronounce kidnap (audio) ; kidnapping also kidnaping
Synonyms of kidnapnext

transitive verb

: to seize and detain or carry away by unlawful force or fraud and often with a demand for ransom
kidnappee noun
or kidnapee
ˌkid-ˌna-ˈpē How to pronounce kidnap (audio)
kidnapper noun
or less commonly kidnaper

Synonyms of kidnap

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Examples of kidnap in a Sentence

the child of the wealthy industrialist was kidnapped and held for ransom
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Tomlin, Fonda and Parton played a trio of secretaries who took revenge on their sexist boss by kidnapping him and enacting changes in the workplace in his name. — Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Their arrival comes during a violent week in Haiti; at least 47 people were killed and more than 50 others kidnapped, according to Haitian officials. — Nathan Lee, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 Its multiversal premise, which involves a man kidnapping a version of himself from another world, can be hard to wrap your head around, and as the first season went on, things only got harder to follow. — Andrew Webster, The Verge, 28 Aug. 2026 A week before the latest attack, two people were repeatedly kidnapped not far from where gangs had burned an armored Haiti National Police vehicle. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for kidnap

Word History

Etymology

probably back-formation from kidnapper, from kid + obsolete napper thief

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kidnap was in 1682

Rhymes for kidnap

See All Rhymes for kidnap

Browse Nearby Words

kidlet
kidnap
kidnappee
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kidnap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kidnap. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

kidnap

verb
kid·​nap ˈkid-ˌnap How to pronounce kidnap (audio)
kidnapped also kidnaped -ˌnapt How to pronounce kidnap (audio) ; kidnapping also kidnaping
-ˌnap-iŋ
: to carry away a person by unlawful force or by fraud and against his or her will
kidnapper noun
also kidnaper
-ˌnap-ər

Legal Definition

kidnap

transitive verb
kid·​nap ˈkid-ˌnap How to pronounce kidnap (audio)
kidnapped or kidnaped -ˌnapt How to pronounce kidnap (audio) ; kidnapping or kidnaping
-ˌna-piŋ
: to seize and confine or carry away by force or fraud and often with a demand for ransom
kidnapper noun
or kidnaper
-ˌna-pər
Etymology

probably back-formation from kidnapper, from kid child + obsolete napper thief

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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