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Kidnapping: meaning, definitions and examples

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kidnapping

 

[ ˈkɪdnæpɪŋ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

criminal

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

Synonyms

abduction, seizure, taking captive

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

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 origin

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.