kidnapping
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈkɪdˌnæpɪŋ/
KK: /ˈkɪdˌnæpɪŋ/
noun
Definition
The act of unlawfully taking someone away by force or fraud, often to demand money for their release.
Example
The police are investigating a case of kidnapping that occurred last night.
Conversation
Did you hear about that recent kidnapping in the news?
Yeah, it was really shocking!
I can't believe such things happen around here.
I know, it's so scary to think about.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
abduction
snatching
capture
Antonyms
release
freedom
liberation
verb
Definition
To take someone away illegally by force or deception, often to obtain a ransom.
Example
The police are investigating a case of kidnapping that occurred last night.
Tense Forms
Past: kidnapped
Past Participle: kidnapped
Conversation
Did you hear about that movie where they show a kidnapping scene?
Yeah, I saw the trailer! It looked really intense.
I can't believe how realistic the kidnapping looked in the film.
Root Explanation
Kidnapping is formed from "kid" (from Middle English *kidde*, meaning a young goat or child) and "napping" (from the verb "nap" meaning to seize or take). The word originally referred to the act of seizing a child, akin to taking a young goat, hence the term kidnapping.
Memory Tip
Imagine the act of 'seizing' ('napping') a 'young child' ('kid') — that's how you can remember that kidnapping means taking away a child.
Visually Confused Words
napping