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Kidnapping: meaning, definitions and examples

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kidnapping

 

[ˈkɪdnæpɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

criminal

The action of abducting someone and holding them captive, typically for ransom.

Synonyms

abduction, seizure, taking captive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
kidnapping

Commonly used in legal and news contexts to refer to the illegal taking of a person, especially a child, usually for ransom or other demands.

  • The police arrested two men involved in the kidnapping of the billionaire's daughter.
  • Kidnapping carries severe penalties under the law.
abduction

Often used in legal, formal, or serious contexts, it refers to the illegal taking away or carrying off of a person, typically by force or deception. Can also refer to taking something or someone without permission.

  • Her family reported her abduction to the authorities.
  • The plot of the movie revolves around the abduction of a famous scientist.
seizure

Usually refers to the act of capturing someone or something, often used in a legal or military context. Can also refer to medical conditions (e.g., epileptic seizure), but not in this sense.

  • The government's seizure of the drug cartel's assets.
  • There was a military operation resulting in the seizure of hostages.
taking captive

Generally used in historical, military, or sometimes metaphorical contexts to describe the act of capturing someone, often in a situation of war or conflict.

  • During the battle, many soldiers were taken captive by the enemy forces.
  • The rebels were known for taking villagers captive during their raids.

Examples of usage

  • They were charged with the kidnapping of a wealthy businessman.
  • The kidnapping of the ambassador's daughter shocked the nation.
  • The police launched a rescue mission after the kidnapping was reported.
  • The kidnapping case attracted widespread media attention.
  • The family was devastated by the news of the kidnapping.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term originated from the late 17th century, derived from 'kid' meaning 'a young goat' and 'napping' meaning 'to take away', originally referring to the stealing of children for farming.
  • In the 1800s, it became a common crime and the term evolved to refer explicitly to the illegal taking of people.

Legislation

  • Many countries have strict laws against kidnapping, often resulting in severe penalties including long prison sentences.
  • In the U.S., federal laws specifically address kidnapping across state lines, emphasizing its seriousness as a federal crime.

Psychology

  • Kidnapping can lead to severe emotional trauma for victims, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • The Stockholm Syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where hostages develop positive feelings toward their captors, often complicating rescue efforts.

Pop Culture

  • Kidnapping is a common theme in movies and books; many thrillers focus on the emotional and psychological effects of such crimes.
  • Famous real-life kidnapping cases, like the Lindbergh baby kidnapping in 1932, captured public attention and led to significant changes in law enforcement practices.

Statistics

  • Statistically, around 50,000 kidnappings occur in the United States each year, though many cases go unreported.
  • Approximately 85% of kidnapping cases are related to family disputes, highlighting the complex dynamics involved in such situations.

Translations

Translations of the word "kidnapping" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sequestro

🇮🇳 अपहरण

🇩🇪 Entführung

🇮🇩 penculikan

🇺🇦 викрадення

🇵🇱 porwanie

🇯🇵 誘拐 (ゆうかい)

🇫🇷 enlèvement

🇪🇸 secuestro

🇹🇷 kaçırma

🇰🇷 납치 (napchi)

🇸🇦 اختطاف (ikhtitaf)

🇨🇿 únos

🇸🇰 únos

🇨🇳 绑架 (绑架)

🇸🇮 ugrabitev

🇮🇸 mannrán

🇰🇿 адам ұрлау

🇬🇪 გატაცება (gatatseba)

🇦🇿 adam oğurluğu

🇲🇽 secuestro

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,362, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.