/ ˈkɪdnæp; NAmE / verb
( -pp- , NAmE also -p- ) [ vn ] to take sb away illegally and keep them as a prisoner, especially in order to get money or sth else for returning them
SYN abduct , seize :
Two businessmen have been kidnapped by terrorists.
► kid·napper noun :
The kidnappers are demanding a ransom of $1 million.
► kid·nap·ping (also kid·nap ) noun [ U , C ]:
He admitted the charge of kidnap.
the kidnapping of 12 US citizens
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WORD ORIGIN
late 17th cent.: back-formation from kidnapper , from kid child + slang nap nab, seize .