kidnap
pronunciation
How to pronounce kidnap in British English:
UK [ˈkɪdnæp]
How to pronounce kidnap in American English:
US [ˈkɪdnæp]
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- Verb:
- take away to an undisclosed location against their will and usually in order to extract a ransom
Word Origin
- kidnap (v.)
- 1680s, compound of kid (n.) "child" and nap "snatch away," variant of nab; originally "steal children to provide servants and laborers in the American colonies." Related: Kidnapped; kidnapping.
Example
- 1. Why kidnap her when they could employ her openly ?
- 2. Asi global 's web site advertises " kidnap and ransom response " and says the company has worked for major insurance companies .
- 3. If you improve security at embassies , they kidnap businessmen .
- 4. Tyler might 've given them orders to follow you or kidnap you or something .
- 5. Many of the gangs kidnap for financial reasons : ransom and extortion .