kidnappers

word · lemma: kidnapper

/ˈkɪdˌnæpɝz/
/kˈɪdnæpəz/

Definition

People who take someone away by force, often to demand money or something else in return for the person's release.

Usage & Nuances

'Kidnappers' is always plural here, referring to one or more people who commit kidnapping. Common pairings: 'kidnappers demanded', 'the kidnappers released'. Used in news, fiction, and crime contexts. Do not confuse with 'abductors', though 'kidnappers' is often more specific about ransom.

Example Sentences

The kidnappers took the boy from the park.

basic

Police arrested the kidnappers last night.

basic

No one knew how many kidnappers were involved.

natural

The kidnappers left a note demanding a huge ransom.

natural

The kidnappers asked for money to let her go.

basic

Luckily, the kidnappers didn’t hurt anyone during the incident.

natural