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
  • While individual kidnappings in Haiti are commonplace, mass abductions are more unusual.
    — Evens Sanon, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Last week, dozens of people were kidnapped from a mosque in a spate of abductions at several villages in Nigeria's north-central Niger state.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of abductions
Noun
  • Under his ruling, none of the rapes that took place in Thornden Park or in the student apartments near it will have to be disclosed.
    — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • An average of more than 2,500 rapes are reported in Nepal every year, including 250 in which the victims are under the age of 10, according to data compiled by the Nepal Police.
    — Arshad R. Zargar, CBS News, 25 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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