kidnapper
word
/ˈkɪdˌnæpɝ/
KID-na-pur
/kˈɪdnæpɐ/
KID-na-puh
Definition
A kidnapper is a person who takes someone away illegally, usually by force, and often asks for money (ransom) for their return.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used in news, crime stories, and movies. More formal than 'abductor' but both are synonyms. Pairs with 'ransom', 'victim', 'hostage'. Not used for legal or custody disputes—refers to criminal acts.
Spanish: secuestrador - raptorPortuguese (BR): sequestradorPortuguese (PT): raptor - sequestradorChinese (Simplified): 绑架者 - 绑匪Chinese (Traditional): 綁架者 - 綁匪Hindi: अपहरणकर्ताArabic: خاطفBengali: অপহরণকারীRussian: похитительJapanese: 誘拐犯Vietnamese: kẻ bắt cócKorean: 유괴범Turkish: kaçıran - adam kaçıranUrdu: اغوا کارIndonesian: penculik
Example Sentences
The kidnapper took the child from the playground.
basic
Police arrested the kidnapper last night.
basic
The kidnapper demanded a large ransom.
basic
No one saw the kidnapper leave the building.
natural
The story about the famous kidnapper was on TV last week.
natural
Nobody guessed who the kidnapper really was until the end.
natural