kidnap

[ kid-nap ]
/ ˈkɪd næp /

verb (used with object), kid·napped or kid·naped, kid·nap·ping or kid·nap·ing.

to steal, carry off, or abduct by force or fraud, especially for use as a hostage or to extract ransom.

Origin of kidnap

1675–85; kid1 + nap, variant of nab

SYNONYMS FOR kidnap

seize, bear off, bear away.

OTHER WORDS FROM kidnap

kid·nap·pee, kid·nap·ee, noun kid·nap·per, kid·nap·er, noun un·kid·naped, adjective un·kid·napped, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH kidnap

hijack kidnap shanghai skyjack

Example sentences from the Web for kidnap

British Dictionary definitions for kidnap

kidnap
/ (ˈkɪdnæp) /

verb -naps, -napping or -napped or US -naps, -naping or -naped

(tr) to carry off and hold (a person), usually for ransom

Derived forms of kidnap

kidnapper or US kidnaper, noun kidnapping or US kidnaping, noun

Word Origin for kidnap

C17: kid 1 + obsolete nap to steal; see nab