kidnap Definition
to take someone away illegally by force, usually in order to demand money in exchange for releasing them.
Using kidnap: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "kidnap" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The businessman was kidnapped and held for ransom.
Example
She was kidnapped by a group of terrorists.
Example
The child was kidnapped from her home.
Example
The police rescued the kidnapped victim.
kidnap Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with kidnap
a type of insurance policy that provides coverage for individuals and corporations against the risk of being kidnapped or held for ransom
Example
The company purchased kidnap and ransom insurance for its executives who travel frequently to high-risk areas.
virtual kidnapping
a scam where criminals use deception to convince victims that a loved one has been kidnapped and demand ransom for their release, even though the victim is not actually being held captive
Example
The family received a call from someone claiming to have kidnapped their daughter, but it turned out to be a virtual kidnapping scam.
express kidnapping
a type of kidnapping where the victim is abducted for a short period of time, usually a few hours, and forced to withdraw money from an ATM or give up valuables before being released
Example
The tourist was a victim of express kidnapping and was robbed of all his belongings before being released unharmed.
Origins of kidnap
from 'kid' (child) + 'nap' (snatch)
Summary: kidnap in Brief
'Kidnap' [ˈkɪdnæp] means to take someone away illegally by force, often for ransom. It can involve anyone from children to adults, as in 'The businessman was kidnapped and held for ransom.' The term extends into phrases like 'kidnap and ransom insurance,' which provides coverage against the risk of being kidnapped, and 'virtual kidnapping,' a scam where criminals deceive victims into paying ransom. Express kidnapping is a type of kidnapping where the victim is abducted for a short period of time and forced to give up valuables.
