verb
Uncommon
kidnap
KIHD-nap
Kidnap (verb) means to unlawfully seize and hold a person captive, often to demand a ransom. Example: “The gang kidnapped the businessman and demanded a large ransom.”
verb
1
To unlawfully seize and hold a person captive, often to demand a ransom.
"Angrest, a soldier, was kidnapped from his tank at the Nahal Oz base when it was attacked by Hamas."
— ToI staff, The next 24: These are the remaining hostages presumed alive in Gaza (2025)
"The gang kidnapped the businessman and demanded a large ransom."
"Police rescued the child two days after she was kidnapped."
"Hello, ladies! How’s the Big Apple? Rotten, Jerry! Clover's been kidnapped! Oh, dear! That's the second time this month!"
— Michelle and Robert Lamoreaux, Model Citizens (2002)
How to use kidnap
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo illegally capture and hold someone against their will.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
kidnap for ransom
attempted kidnapping
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Word forms
- Plural
- kidnaps
- Third person singular
- kidnaps
- Past tense
- kidnapped, kidnaped
Etymology
From "kid" (child) + slang "nap" (to snatch or grab). It began as 17th-century criminal slang for stealing children to sell as laborers in overseas colonies.
Class of 1600
kidnap joined the language around 1600.
See the full Class of 1600 →
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “kidnap” mean?
The word “kidnap” means to unlawfully seize and hold a person captive, often to demand a ransom. In plain terms, to illegally capture and hold someone against their will.
How do you pronounce “kidnap”?
“Kidnap” is pronounced KIHD-nap (/ˈkɪdnæp/ in IPA).
How do you use “kidnap” in a sentence?
Here is “kidnap” used in a sentence: “The gang kidnapped the businessman and demanded a large ransom.”
What part of speech is “kidnap”?
“Kidnap” is a verb.
Where does the word “kidnap” come from?
The word “kidnap” dates back to around 1600. From "kid" (child) + slang "nap" (to snatch or grab). It began as 17th-century criminal slang for stealing children to sell as laborers in overseas colonies.
Is “kidnap” a common word?
“Kidnap” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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