as in to abduct
to carry away (as a person) forcibly or unlawfully
the child of the wealthy industrialist was kidnapped and held for ransom
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of kidnap
He had been held in Gaza since October 7, 2023, when both were kidnapped from their home during the Hamas massacre.
—
Efrat Lachter, Fox News, 1 Feb. 2025
The conspirators then planned to kidnap and crown James’ young daughter, 9-year-old Elizabeth, providing English Catholics an opportunity to reclaim their country.
—Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Jan. 2025
Edan Alexander was serving in Israel's military when he was kidnapped.
—Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025
He and his group were also kidnapped in the jungle.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for kidnap
Efrat Lachter, Fox News, 1 Feb. 2025
The conspirators then planned to kidnap and crown James’ young daughter, 9-year-old Elizabeth, providing English Catholics an opportunity to reclaim their country.
—Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Jan. 2025
Edan Alexander was serving in Israel's military when he was kidnapped.
—Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025
He and his group were also kidnapped in the jungle.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for kidnap
Articles Related to kidnap
Cite this Entry
“Kidnap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kidnap. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share