Word
kidnap
Meanings
to take a person away illegally and keep them captive, often to demand money or force an action
to take something (especially an idea, conversation, or event) over and control it in an unwanted way
Definition
To kidnap someone is to take them away illegally by force or deception, usually to demand something in return.
To kidnap means to seize and carry a person away against their will. It is typically done using force, threats, or trickery. The aim is often to demand money, influence decisions, or gain leverage over other people.
Examples
- The gang threatened to kidnap the journalist’s colleague unless the story was withdrawn.
- I didn’t realize they were trying to kidnap the conversation until every question was redirected to their agenda.
- She reported the attempt to kidnap her child to the authorities immediately.
- They watched in disbelief as one speaker tried to kidnap the panel discussion and turn it into a personal rant.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "kidnap" with "abduct" and use it for taking objects, but "kidnap" is mainly used for taking a person (or figuratively, a conversation/idea).
More at C1 level
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- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More verbs
- analyze To examine something carefully in order to understand it or explain it.
- scrutinize To scrutinize something is to examine it very carefully and in detail.
- affect To affect something is to influence it or cause it to change.
- allude To allude means to mention or suggest something indirectly without saying it clearly.
- elude To elude someone or something is to avoid being caught, understood, or remembered.