Synonyms for

Kidnap

Verb / ˈkɪˌdnæp / Another word for kidnap — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to take someone away illegally by force, typically to obtain a ransom

Synonyms & similar words

Synonyms by register

Antonyms

Common collocations

  • kidnap victim
  • kidnap attempt
  • kidnap for ransom
  • kidnap and murder
  • kidnap investigation
  • kidnap suspect
  • kidnap plot

Word family

verb kidnap
adjective kidnapped

Usage note

Kidnap is a strong and serious term. It is often used in legal and news contexts. Avoid using it casually.

Example sentences

  1. The police were able to rescue the victim from the kidnappers.
  2. The kidnappers demanded a large ransom for the safe return of the child.
  3. The parents were devastated when they found out their child had been kidnapped.
  4. The kidnapper disguised himself as a delivery man to gain access to the house.
  5. The kidnapper left a note demanding money in exchange for the victim's release.

Quotes

  • Families are torn apart; men are sent to jail, and the innocent suffer. But it doesn't have to be that way. It seems to me that if we could get the criminals to read Shakespeare, they might be too busy committing suicide to bother with the kiddnapping business. - Jack Handey
  • I like to talk about the differences between kidnap and abduction. - John Grisham
  • Kidnapping is a terrible crime because it is an attack on the family, which is the foundation of our country. - John Cornyn

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