Kidnap — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈkid-ˌnap/ kid·nap

Meaning & Definition of Kidnap

Kidnap (verb)

  1. to seize and detain or carry away by unlawful force or fraud and often with a demand for ransom

Kidnap (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to carry away (as a person) forcibly or unlawfully

    "the child of the wealthy industrialist was kidnapped and held for ransom"

    similar: abduct, make away with, make off with, run off with
    related: capture, crimp, impress, seize, shanghai, waylay, abscond (with), snatch, spirit, hijack, catch, cop (slang), steal, take
    near: deliver, ransom, redeem, rescue, restore, return

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Kidnap

The most common words with a similar meaning to Kidnap:

abduct, make away with, make off with, run off with

Related Words for Kidnap

capture, crimp, impress, seize, shanghai, waylay, abscond (with), snatch, spirit, hijack, catch, cop, steal, take

Near Antonyms of Kidnap

deliver, ransom, redeem, rescue, restore, return

Word Forms of Kidnap

Inflections: kidnapped, kidnaped, kidnapping, kidnaping

Derived words: kidnappee (noun), kidnapper (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Kidnap

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

First known use: 1682

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Kidnap

Frequently Asked Questions about Kidnap

What does "Kidnap" mean?

"Kidnap" means to seize and detain or carry away by unlawful force or fraud and often with a demand for ransom. As a verb, it is defined as: to seize and detain or carry away by unlawful force or fraud and often with a demand for ransom.

What is another word for "Kidnap"?

Other words for "Kidnap" include abduct, make away with, make off with and run off with. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Kidnap" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Kidnap"?

There are 18 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Kidnap". Common alternatives include abduct, make away with, make off with and run off with.

How do you use "Kidnap" in a sentence?

Examples of "Kidnap" in a sentence: "the child of the wealthy industrialist was kidnapped and held for ransom".

Is "Kidnap" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Kidnap" is a verb.

Is "Kidnap" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Kidnap" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Kidnap"?

"Kidnap" is pronounced /ˈkid-ˌnap/ and divided into syllables as kid·nap.

What is the origin of the word "Kidnap"?

"Kidnap" comes from probably back-formation from kidnapper, from kid + obsolete napper thief. First known use: 1682.