noun

kidnapping

kidnapping, abduction

The kidnapping was reported to the police immediately.

The kidnapping was reported to the police immediately.

He was charged with kidnapping and extortion.

He was charged with kidnapping and extortion.

((the crime of)) the act of taking someone away illegally The police are investigating the kidnapping.

Synonyms: abduction, hostage-taking

From 'kid' (child) + 'nap' (a dialectal variant of 'nab', to snatch).

Imagine 'napping' a 'kid' – snatching a child while they are sleeping.

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