kidnapped
6 synonyms for kidnapped, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Describes someone who has been unlawfully seized and held captive.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
seized
carried off
held captive
How to use kidnapped
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
kidnapped victim
kidnapped child
Etymology
Past-tense/adjectival form of "kidnap."
Full origin of kidnapped →Frequently asked questions
What does “kidnapped” mean?
The word “kidnapped” means describes someone who has been unlawfully seized and held captive. In plain terms, having been taken and held against one's will.
How do you use “kidnapped” in a sentence?
Here is “kidnapped” used in a sentence: “The kidnapped hostage was found safe three days later.”
What part of speech is “kidnapped”?
“Kidnapped” is an adjective.
Is “kidnapped” a common word?
“Kidnapped” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between kidnapped and abducted?
Both describe someone unlawfully seized and taken by force, and the words are often used interchangeably. "Kidnapped" tends to emphasise being seized and then held captive, often for ransom, while "abducted" simply stresses being carried off against one's will.
Is it spelled kidnapped or kidnaped?
The standard spelling in both British and American English is kidnapped, with two p's. The single-p form "kidnaped" is an older American variant that is now rare.
What is the difference between kidnapped and captured?
"Kidnapped" implies an unlawful, criminal seizing of a person, usually a civilian. "Captured" is more neutral and can describe lawfully taking someone, such as a prisoner of war, or catching a person or animal.
What is the difference between being kidnapped and being held hostage?
Someone who is kidnapped has been unlawfully seized and held captive, while a hostage is a captive held specifically to pressure others into meeting demands. Being taken hostage can be one purpose behind a kidnapping.
