kidnapping
Kidnapping (noun) means the crime of illegally seizing and holding a person against their will, often for ransom. Example: “The kidnapping made headlines across the country.”
How to use kidnapping
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe crime of taking someone captive against their will.
Word forms
kidnappings plural
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Can you complete this real example?
The _____ made headlines across the country.
Etymology
From "kidnap" + "-ing," forming the noun for the act itself.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for kidnapping
Frequently asked questions
What does “kidnapping” mean?
The word “kidnapping” means the crime of illegally seizing and holding a person against their will, often for ransom. In plain terms, the crime of taking someone captive against their will.
How do you pronounce “kidnapping”?
“Kidnapping” is pronounced KIHD-na-pihng (/ˈkɪdnæpɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “kidnapping” in a sentence?
Here is “kidnapping” used in a sentence: “The kidnapping made headlines across the country.”
What part of speech is “kidnapping”?
“Kidnapping” is a noun.
Is “kidnapping” a common word?
“Kidnapping” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between kidnapping and abduction?
Kidnapping and abduction both describe illegally seizing and holding a person against their will, and the terms are often used interchangeably. In everyday usage, "kidnapping" is more commonly associated with cases involving a demand for ransom, though the crime does not always require one.
Is ransom always involved in kidnapping?
No. Kidnapping is defined as illegally seizing and holding a person against their will, and while this is often done for ransom, that is not a required element of the crime.
What is the difference between kidnapping and false imprisonment?
Kidnapping specifically involves illegally seizing and holding a person against their will, which typically includes moving or confining the victim by force. False imprisonment is a broader concept that can apply even without the seizure element that defines kidnapping.
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