dognap: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, journalistic.
Quick answer
What does “dognap” mean?
To steal a dog, typically for ransom or resale.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To steal a dog, typically for ransom or resale.
To illegally take or abduct someone's pet dog, often as a criminal act. The term can also be extended to similar actions with other pets (e.g., 'catnap'), but 'dognap' is the most established form.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is used similarly in both varieties, though American English may more frequently use 'dog-napping' as the noun form.
Connotations
Connotes a distressing, personal crime against a family pet. It often implies a demand for ransom.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, slightly more common in tabloid journalism. Not a daily vocabulary item.
Grammar
How to Use “dognap” in a Sentence
Someone dognaps a dog.A dog is dognapped from a place.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dognap” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Thieves dognapped the elderly couple's terrier from their garden.
- The police believe someone tried to dognap the show champion last night.
American English
- Someone dognapped our poodle right out of the backyard.
- The criminals were caught attempting to dognap a French Bulldog.
adverb
British English
- [Not typically used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not typically used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- A dognap gang was operating in the county.
- There was a dognap attempt reported to the police.
American English
- The city saw a rise in dognap incidents last year.
- She was a victim of a dognap scheme.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare, may appear in criminology or sociology papers on pet-related crime.
Everyday
Used when discussing news stories about stolen pets.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dognap”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dognap”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dognap”
- Using 'dognap' to mean a dog sleeping (confusion with 'nap').
- Spelling as two words: 'dog nap'.
- Using it for other animals without established parallel (e.g., 'birdnap' is non-standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an informal blend word, most commonly found in news headlines and casual conversation about pet theft.
While 'dognap' is specific to dogs, the pattern can be extended humorously or descriptively (e.g., 'catnap' for cats), but these are less established.
The act is called 'dognapping' (often hyphenated as 'dog-napping'). A person who does it is a 'dognapper'.
Yes, in legal contexts, it is typically referred to as 'pet theft' or 'theft of a domestic animal'.
To steal a dog, typically for ransom or resale.
Dognap: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒɡ.næp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɑːɡ.næp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms; the word itself is a blend idiomatically derived from 'kidnap']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'DOG' + (kid)NAP. You 'nap' (steal) a dog.
Conceptual Metaphor
PET IS FAMILY MEMBER / CRIME AGAINST PET IS KIDNAPPING.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'dognap'?