# kidnapper

/ˈkɪdˌnæpɝ/ (US) · /kˈɪdnæpɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/kidnapper
Updated: 2026-05-27

## Definition

a person who takes someone away by force and keeps them as a prisoner. This is usually done to ask for money or to get something else.

For teachers: a person who illegally takes another person away by force and holds them as a prisoner. Often used in the context of criminal extortion or political hostage situations.

## Examples

- The kidnapper called the family to ask for money.
- Police are searching the woods for the kidnapper who took the child from the park yesterday.
- The documentary explores the psychological profile of the kidnapper, revealing how he manipulated his victim's family through a series of calculated demands.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.