kidnapped also kidnaped
ˈkid-ˌnapt 
; kidnapping also kidnaping
; kidnapping also kidnaping
: to seize and detain or carry away by unlawful force or fraud and often with a demand for ransom
kidnapper
noun
or less commonly kidnaper
Examples of kidnap in a Sentence
the child of the wealthy industrialist was kidnapped and held for ransom
Recent Examples on the Web
The NBCUniversal streamer will develop the project, which is based on Roth’s mid-2000s horror movies about an underground network of wealthy people who kidnap and torture young tourists staying in hostels.
—
Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2025
The one and only David Bowie stars as Jareth, The Goblin King, who kidnaps the half-brother of a girl named Sarah, played by Jennifer Connelly.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 25 July 2025
After the killings, Vinson is accused of kidnapping her daughter, whom the Free Press is not naming, and the Bernhards' then-9-year-old daughter from the home, authorities allege.
—Andrea May Sahouri, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
According to The Associated Press’ July 23 report, militants led by Hamas killed about 1,200 people in southern Israel and kidnapped 251 hostages nearly two years ago on Oct. 7.
—Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for kidnap
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Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2025
The one and only David Bowie stars as Jareth, The Goblin King, who kidnaps the half-brother of a girl named Sarah, played by Jennifer Connelly.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 25 July 2025
After the killings, Vinson is accused of kidnapping her daughter, whom the Free Press is not naming, and the Bernhards' then-9-year-old daughter from the home, authorities allege.
—Andrea May Sahouri, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
According to The Associated Press’ July 23 report, militants led by Hamas killed about 1,200 people in southern Israel and kidnapped 251 hostages nearly two years ago on Oct. 7.
—Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for kidnap
Cite this Entry
“Kidnap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kidnap. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Legal Definition
Etymology
probably back-formation from kidnapper, from kid child + obsolete napper thief
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