Kidnapped Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐จ
kidnapped
[หkษชd.nรฆpt ]
Definition
crime context
Kidnapped refers to the unlawful act of taking someone away by force or fraud. It typically involves removals with the intent to hold the victim for ransom or to compel a third party to act. Kidnapping can be executed in various ways, such as abduction or hostage-taking. It is considered a serious crime in most jurisdictions and can result in severe penalties for the perpetrators.
Synonyms
abducted, captured, snatched, taken.
Examples of usage
- The billionaire's son was kidnapped for ransom.
- She was kidnapped during her vacation abroad.
- The authorities successfully rescued the kidnapped child.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Context
- In the 19th century, high-profile kidnappings, like that of Charles Lindberghโs baby, captured public attention and led to changes in federal kidnapping laws.
- Slavery and indentured servitude often involved kidnappings, as people were forcibly taken to work against their will.
Psychology
- Kidnapping can have profound psychological effects on victims, including PTSD, anxiety, and difficulty readjusting to normal life.
- The Stockholm syndrome describes a psychological phenomenon where hostages develop feelings for their captors.
Pop Culture
- Kidnapping is a common theme in movies and novels, often creating suspense and emotional tension.
- Films like 'Taken' and 'The Silence of the Lambs' explore the varying motivations behind kidnapping, from ransom to psychological manipulation.
Legal Aspects
- In many jurisdictions, kidnapping is classified as a felony, with serious legal consequences for offenders.
- Different laws exist globally regarding the definition and handling of kidnapping, highlighting cultural variations in justice processes.
Origin of 'kidnapped'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the late 17th century, combining 'kid' (meaning 'child') and 'nap' (to seize or take).
- Originally, it referred to the act of stealing children for forced labor, particularly in the context of the Americas.
The word 'kidnap' originates from the early 17th century, combining 'kid'โa term for a young goat or child used in North American vernacularโand 'nap', which is a dialect term meaning to seize. The original sense referred to stealing or carrying off children for servitude or sale, particularly in the context of the early American slave trade. Over time, the meaning broadened to encompass any non-consensual act of taking individuals, regardless of age, often for the purpose of extortion or coercion. By the 19th century, the term had solidified its association with criminal acts against individuals, leading to its current use in legal and social contexts to define the act of unlawful restraint or confinement.