What Is Kidnap? Definition And Usage Of This Term

What Is Kidnap? Definition And Usage Of This Term

WHAT IS KIDNAP – In this topic, we will first know and learn the definition of this term and how is this term used in sentences.

WHAT IS KIDNAP

Definition

The Oxford Dictionary defines the term as the following:

  • take (someone) away illegally by force, typically to obtain a ransom.
  • the action of kidnapping someone

Meanwhile, the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines this term as the following:

  • to seize and detain or carry away by unlawful force or fraud and often with a demand for ransom

Synonyms

Here are some of the following synonyms:

  • abduct
  • carry off
  • capture
  • seize
  • snatch
  • hold to ransom
  • take as hostage
  • hijack
  • run off/away with
  • nobble

Etymology

It is a late 17th century, which is a back-formation from the term kidnapper which is a combination of the term kid, and the slang nap or ‘nab, seize’.

Examples

Here are some examples of the usage of this term:

  • There are very few fathers of kidnap victims who aren’t worried about their financial affairs being looked at too closely.
  • Tanner disapproved of kidnap insurance and companies like D’Arcy’s which negotiated for hostage release.
  • After a while they kidnap and murder a young boy for kicks[Sentencedict.com ], bashing him over the head with a blunt instrument.
  • There are growing fears for the safety of the kidnap victims — fears that have been fuelled by rumours of new terrorist threats.

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