kidnapping
|kid-nap-ping|
B2
/ˈkɪdnæpɪŋ/
(kidnap)
abduct
Etymology
Etymology Information
'kidnap' originates from the English word 'kid' meaning 'child' and 'nap' meaning 'to snatch'.
Historical Evolution
'kidnap' changed from the 17th-century English word 'kidnapper' and eventually became the modern English word 'kidnap'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to snatch a child', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to abduct a person'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the unlawful act of capturing and carrying away a person by force or fraud.
The police are investigating the kidnapping of the businessman.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 1
present participle of 'kidnap'.
They are kidnapping people for ransom.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/04/02 05:33