kidnap
B2Neutral/Formal, used in legal, news, and everyday contexts when discussing crime. Can be informal when used metaphorically.
Definition
Meaning
To take someone away illegally by force, typically to obtain a ransom.
To steal, appropriate, or force someone into a situation; can be used metaphorically in contexts like talent acquisition (e.g., 'corporate kidnapping') or in computing (e.g., 'DNS hijacking').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies an element of secrecy and unlawful detention. The primary object is usually a person, but metaphorical extensions (e.g., 'kidnap the narrative') are possible.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is nearly identical. 'Abduct' is slightly more common in formal UK legal contexts, but 'kidnap' dominates in general use.
Connotations
Identical strong negative connotation of criminality, coercion, and trauma. Both emphasise ransom or extortion.
Frequency
Equally frequent in crime reporting. No significant regional variation.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] kidnap [Object: Person][Subject] kidnap [Object: Person] from [Location][Subject] kidnap [Object: Person] for [Reason/Purpose]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A kidnap and ransom policy (K&R insurance)”
- “High-profile kidnapping”
- “Kidnap someone's attention (metaphorical)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to 'Kidnap and Ransom' (K&R) insurance for employees in high-risk regions.
Academic
Used in criminology, law, and political science to discuss terrorism, organised crime, and hostage-taking.
Everyday
Used in news reports and conversations about crime. 'Their child was kidnapped.'
Technical
In computing/security: 'session kidnapping' (hijacking).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The gang threatened to kidnap the CEO's daughter.
- He was kidnapped from outside his Kensington home.
American English
- The plot to kidnap the governor was foiled by the FBI.
- She was kidnapped and held for a $2 million ransom.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
- N/A
American English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The kidnap victim was found unharmed.
- They reviewed their kidnap insurance policy.
American English
- The kidnap plot was elaborate.
- He faced kidnapping charges in federal court.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The bad man tried to kidnap the child.
- Police look for kidnapped people.
- The famous singer was kidnapped last night.
- Kidnapping is a very serious crime.
- The militants kidnapped three aid workers and demanded a prisoner exchange.
- Kidnap for ransom has become a lucrative business in the region.
- The dissident was kidnapped by state security agents in a classic enforced disappearance.
- The firm's K&R policy covered negotiation costs for any executive kidnapped abroad.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a KID taking a NAP being suddenly stolen. KID + NAP = KIDNAP.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRIME IS A COMMODITY TRANSACTION ('held for ransom'), FREEDOM IS A POSSESSION ('taken away').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'красть' (to steal) for people; it's specifically 'похищать'.
- Don't confuse with 'abduct', which is more formal but nearly identical in meaning.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect past tense: 'kidnaped' (US) is rare; 'kidnapped' is standard. 'Kidnapper' with double 'p'.
- Using it for non-coercive situations: Incorrect: 'He kidnapped me to the cinema.'
Practice
Quiz
Which scenario best illustrates the metaphorical use of 'kidnap'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Kidnap' specifically implies unlawful taking and detention, often for ransom. 'Abduct' is more formal and general, meaning to take someone away illegally, and is often used in legal contexts without the ransom implication.
Both are accepted in American English, but 'kidnapped' and 'kidnapper' (with double consonants) are far more common globally and are the standard forms in British English.
Yes. Although historically associated with children (kid-napping), it is used for any person taken illegally.
Rarely and with caution. Metaphorical uses ('kidnap the conversation') exist but retain a negative connotation of force. It is not suitable for friendly, consensual actions like 'Let's kidnap you for lunch.'
Collections
Part of a collection
Crime and Justice
B1 · 46 words · Vocabulary for law, crime and the justice system.