Definition

A person who unlawfully seizes and carries away a person by force or fraud, often for ransom or other demands.

Example

The police are searching for the kidnapper who took the child last week.

Conversation

Did you hear about that movie where the kidnaper tries to escape?

Yeah, I saw the trailer! It looks really intense.

I love thrillers like that, they always keep me on the edge of my seat.

Same here! I can’t wait to watch it this weekend.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Kidnapper is formed from "kid" (from Middle English *kidde*, meaning a young goat or child) and "nap" (from the Old French *naper*, meaning to seize or take). The word refers to someone who seizes or takes away a child.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'seizes' ('nap') a 'child' ('kid') — that's why a kidnapper is someone who takes a child away.

Visually Confused Words