B2verbcrimelaw
US/ˈkɪd.næp/
UK/ˈkɪd.næp/
to take someone away by force and keep them, usually to demand money
In context
Armed men kidnapped the businessman as he left his office.
Travelers were warned that tourists had been kidnapped in the region.
Police arrested two men who tried to kidnap a child for ransom.
Words that go with kidnap
verb + noun
- kidnap a childThe gang planned to kidnap a child for ransom.
- kidnap a touristArmed men kidnapped a tourist near the border.
- kidnap a journalistRebels threatened to kidnap another journalist.
verb + preposition
- kidnap for ransomPirates kidnapped the crew for ransom.
adverb + verb
- allegedly kidnapThe suspects allegedly kidnapped the manager last week.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He was kidnapCorrect: He was kidnapped