Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Kidnapping Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

👮‍♂️
Add to dictionary

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?

arrow down
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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

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.

Origin of 'kidnapping'

The term 'kidnapping' has its roots in the old English word 'cnapian', which meant 'to seize or snatch'. The crime of kidnapping has been recorded throughout history in various cultures and civilizations. It has often been associated with ransom demands and criminal enterprises. Kidnapping laws have evolved over time to address the seriousness of the crime and protect individuals from being unlawfully detained.

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.