kidnap

[kid-nap] /ˈkɪd næp/
verb (used with object), kidnapped or kidnaped, kidnapping or kidnaping.
1.
to steal, carry off, or abduct by force or fraud, especially for use as a hostage or to extract ransom.
Origin
1675-85; kid1 + nap, variant of nab
Related forms
kidnappee, kidnapee, noun
kidnapper, kidnaper, noun
unkidnaped, adjective
unkidnapped, adjective
Can be confused
hijack, kidnap, shanghai, skyjack.
Synonyms
seize, bear off, bear away.
Examples from the web for kidnap
  • The bureau made kidnap for ransom a special priority, and continues to do so today.
British Dictionary definitions for kidnap

kidnap

/ˈkɪdnæp/
verb -naps, -napping, -napped (US) -naps, -naping, -naped
1.
(transitive) to carry off and hold (a person), usually for ransom
Derived Forms
kidnapper, (US) kidnaper, noun
kidnapping, (US) kidnaping, noun
Word Origin
C17: kid1 + obsolete nap to steal; see nab
Word Origin and History for kidnap
v.

1680s, compound of kid (n.) "child" and nap "snatch away," variant of nab; originally "steal children to provide servants and laborers in the American colonies." Related: Kidnapped; kidnapping.