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Kidnaping: meaning, definitions and examples

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kidnaping

 

[ ˈkɪdnæpɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

crime involving abduction

Kidnapping is the unlawful seizure and carrying away of a person by force or fraud. The act can involve taking someone away against their will, often for the purpose of demanding a ransom or for other criminal motives. Kidnapping can occur at any place, whether public or private, and can have serious legal implications for the perpetrator. The crime typically involves significant psychological impact on the victim and their families.

Synonyms

abduction, holding hostage, snatching

Examples of usage

  • The child was kidnapped from the playground.
  • Authorities are investigating a recent kidnapping case.
  • Kidnapping can have lasting trauma for the victim.

Translations

Translations of the word "kidnaping" in other languages:

🇵🇹 secuestro

🇮🇳 अपहरण

🇩🇪 Entführung

🇮🇩 penculikan

🇺🇦 викрадення

🇵🇱 porwanie

🇯🇵 誘拐 (ゆうかい)

🇫🇷 enlèvement

🇪🇸 secuestro

🇹🇷 kaçırma

🇰🇷 납치

🇸🇦 اختطاف

🇨🇿 únos

🇸🇰 únos

🇨🇳 绑架 (bǎngjià)

🇸🇮 otrokovanje

🇮🇸 röðun

🇰🇿 ұрлау

🇬🇪 გატაცება

🇦🇿 qaçırılma

🇲🇽 secuestro

Etymology

The term 'kidnap' originates from the late 17th century. The word is a combination of 'kid', referring to a young goat (and metaphorically to a young child), and 'nap', which meant to seize or take away. The concept was first recorded in reference to the abduction of children and eventually expanded to encompass the broader act of illegally taking anyone against their will. It reflects the societal issues present at the time, including the trafficking of children for labor or ransom, and has continued to evolve in its implications and legal frameworks over the years. The evolution of laws surrounding kidnapping has reflected changes in societal values and the increasing recognition of individual rights.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,457 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.