English Reference
verb · adjective

kidnapped

v. · adj.
US /ˈkɪdˌnæpt/ UK /kˈɪdnæpt/ kid·napped

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to have been taken away by force and hidden, often so the captors can ask for money.

    v.the past tense and past participle of 'kidnap', referring to the act of abducting a person by force or fraud.

    Simple

    The wealthy businessman was kidnapped while he was walking to his car.

    In context

    The investigators determined that the diplomat had been kidnapped shortly after leaving the embassy, despite the presence of his security detail.

    Pitfall
    The child was kidnapped from two days. The child was kidnapped two days ago.

    When stating when the event happened, use 'ago' rather than 'from'.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.describing a person who has been taken and is being held prisoner.

    adj.functioning as a participial adjective to describe a person who is currently the victim of an abduction.

    Simple

    The kidnapped children were finally found safe in a small house in the woods.

    In context

    The government refused to negotiate with the group, fearing that paying a ransom for the kidnapped journalist would encourage further attacks.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated