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
Militiamen were arrested and convicted of trying to kidnap and kill you.
—
Susan Page, USA TODAY, 9 July 2024
Notching a worldwide gross of over $42 million upon its release in theaters in April, Abigail watches as a heist team is hired by a mysterious fixer to kidnap the daughter of a powerful underworld figure.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 8 July 2024
Goblins kidnapped the new foster baby, Lulubelle, to feed her to the Goblin King in a ritual sacrifice involving a rather silly goblin song.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 7 July 2024
In 1993, his brother Udi was kidnapped and killed by members of Hamas.
—Laura Klairmont, CNN, 5 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for kidnap 
Susan Page, USA TODAY, 9 July 2024
Notching a worldwide gross of over $42 million upon its release in theaters in April, Abigail watches as a heist team is hired by a mysterious fixer to kidnap the daughter of a powerful underworld figure.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 8 July 2024
Goblins kidnapped the new foster baby, Lulubelle, to feed her to the Goblin King in a ritual sacrifice involving a rather silly goblin song.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 7 July 2024
In 1993, his brother Udi was kidnapped and killed by members of Hamas.
—Laura Klairmont, CNN, 5 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for kidnap
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'kidnap.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Kidnap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kidnap. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Legal Definition
Etymology
probably back-formation from kidnapper, from kid child + obsolete napper thief
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