kidnapped
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈkɪd.næpt/
KK: /ˈkɪdˌnæpt/
adjective
Definition
Describing someone who has been taken away illegally by force or threat.
Example
The kidnapped child was found safe after a week.
Conversation
Did you hear about that movie where the main character was kidnapped?
Yeah, I heard it was really intense and thrilling!
I can't believe they made a film about such a serious topic like being kidnapped.
It definitely raises awareness, but it must be tough to watch.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
abducted
captured
taken
Antonyms
released
freed
rescued
verb
Definition
To take someone away illegally by force or deception, often for ransom or other demands.
Example
The police rescued the child who had been kidnapped last week.
Tense Forms
Past: kidnapped
Past Participle: kidnapped
Conversation
Did you hear about that movie where the main character gets kidnapped?
Yeah, I heard it was super intense and thrilling!
I can't believe they actually kidnapped someone in the plot twist.
Root Explanation
Kidnapped → It is formed from "kid" (from Middle English *kidde*, meaning a young goat or child) and "nap" (from Old English *hnappian*, meaning to seize or take). The word "kidnapped" originally referred to the act of seizing or taking away a child, similar to how one might take a young goat.
Memory Tip
Imagine someone 'seizing' ('nap') a 'child' ('kid') — that's why kidnapped means to take a child away.
Visually Confused Words
napped