kidnapped
B2Formal, journalistic, legal, and everyday use when discussing crime.
Definition
Meaning
To take someone away illegally by force, typically to obtain a ransom.
To abduct or seize someone against their will; also used metaphorically to describe being taken or absorbed against one's wishes (e.g., 'kidnapped by work').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily refers to the abduction of people, especially children. The past tense and past participle form is irregular (kidnap → kidnapped). In US English, 'kidnaped' is an accepted but less common spelling variant.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: BrE consistently uses 'kidnapped', 'kidnapper', 'kidnapping'. AmE accepts both 'kidnapped' and 'kidnaped', though the double 'p' is more common.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties—strongly associated with serious crime.
Frequency
Equally frequent in news and legal contexts in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Someone] kidnapped [someone][Someone] was kidnapped by [someone][Someone] got kidnappedVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Hold someone for ransom”
- “Taken hostage”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in risk assessment (e.g., 'executive kidnapping insurance').
Academic
Used in criminology, law, and sociology papers.
Everyday
Common in news reports and conversations about crime.
Technical
Specific legal term defining a category of felony.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The criminals kidnapped the heiress from her London flat.
- He was kidnapped while travelling in Colombia.
American English
- The gang kidnapped the CEO's daughter last night.
- She was kidnapped from a parking garage in Chicago.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable (no standard adverbial form).
American English
- Not applicable (no standard adverbial form).
adjective
British English
- The kidnapped journalist was held for three months.
- A rescued kidnapped victim needs psychological support.
American English
- The kidnapped child was found unharmed.
- The kidnapped businessman was released after ransom payment.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The man was kidnapped.
- The police look for kidnapped people.
- The rich man's son was kidnapped last week.
- They kidnapped her and asked for money.
- The journalist was kidnapped by militants while reporting abroad.
- Authorities fear the missing tourist may have been kidnapped.
- The dissident was allegedly kidnapped by state security forces in a covert operation.
- Kidnapped for a political ransom, the ambassador became a pawn in international negotiations.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'kid' being 'napped' (as in taken for a nap against their will).
Conceptual Metaphor
CRIME IS A TAKING/A SNATCHING; A PERSON IS PROPERTY.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'похищенный' which can also mean 'stolen' (objects). In English, 'kidnapped' applies only to people.
- Avoid literal translation of prefixes like 'у-' or 'по-'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'kidnapped' for objects (incorrect: 'My car was kidnapped').
- Misspelling as 'kidnaped' in British contexts.
- Confusing tense: 'He has kidnap' instead of 'He has kidnapped'.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'kidnapped' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it can be used for adults too, though its origin relates to 'kid' (child). The legal and general term applies to any person.
They are often synonyms, but 'abducted' can sound more formal or clinical. 'Kidnapped' strongly implies a motive like ransom or extortion.
In both major varieties, it's 'kidnapping'. The single 'p' variant ('kidnaping') is rare even in American English.
Very cautiously, in informal metaphors (e.g., 'My weekend was kidnapped by work'). However, due to its serious primary meaning, it can be insensitive.