kidnap

Definition

To seize or detain a person unlawfully and move or conceal them; sometimes for ransom.

Etymology

From kid + nap (“to nab; to grab”). Originally Thieves' cant, referring to the practice of stealing children and shipping them to colonies or plantations as laborers. First attested c. 1680.

Example Sentences

• "Hello, ladies! How’s the Big Apple? Rotten, Jerry! Clover's been kidnapped! Oh, dear! That's the second time this month!"
• "Angrest, a soldier, was kidnapped from his tank at the Nahal Oz base when it was attacked by Hamas."