kidnaps
Takes someone hostage
Kidnaps is the third-person singular of kidnap, meaning to seize and hold someone against their will, typically for ransom or other criminal purpose.
The word combines kid (child) with nap (to snatch), though adults can be kidnapped too: The gang kidnaps wealthy tourists for ransom.
Also spelled kidnapes in British English.
Takes by force
- snatchesSeizes quickly or fragments
- seizesTakes by force
- capturesTakes into custody
- grabsSeizes abruptly
takes · nabs · spirits away · whisks away · detains · apprehends · hauls off · ensnares
Captive held as security
- captiveOne held by force
- targetObject of pursuit
- markVisible impression or sign
- preyAnimal being hunted
abductee · missing person · survivor · trauma · ordeal · confinement · captivity · isolation
Unlawful seizure of person
- hostage-takingSeizing persons for demands
- human traffickingCriminal trade in people
- child snatchingForcibly taking a minor
- unlawful detentionIllegal restraint of freedom
false imprisonment · felony · criminal offense · organized crime · syndicate · cartel · smuggling · black market
Formal examination of facts
- manhuntSearch for a suspect
- search partyGroup seeking someone lost
- amber alertMissing child notification system
- law enforcementUpholding legal codes
FBI · Interpol · detective · rescue · recovery · raid · tactical team · negotiator
Extreme, overwhelming fear
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- panicUncontrollable sudden fear
- traumaLasting psychological wound
- nightmareFrightening dream causing wakefulness
helplessness · desperation · anguish · distress · anxiety · horror · shock · PTSD
Forceful request or requirement
- extortionObtaining through threats
- paymentFulfilling a financial obligation
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
- ransom noteAbductor's payment demand
drop-off · exchange · wire transfer · cryptocurrency · deadline · proof of life · release · terms
abducts
Takes by force
grabs · takes · nabs · spirits away · whisks away · detains · apprehends · hauls off · ensnares · entraps
hostage
Captive held as security
prey · abductee · missing person · survivor · trauma · ordeal · confinement · captivity · isolation · bound
abduction
Unlawful seizure of person
- hostage-takingSeizing persons for demands
- human traffickingCriminal trade in people
- child snatchingForcibly taking a minor
unlawful detention · false imprisonment · felony · criminal offense · organized crime · syndicate · cartel · smuggling · black market · underworld
investigation
Formal examination of facts
- manhuntSearch for a suspect
- search partyGroup seeking someone lost
- amber alertMissing child notification system
law enforcement · FBI · Interpol · detective · rescue · recovery · raid · tactical team · negotiator · surveillance
terror
Extreme, overwhelming fear
nightmare · helplessness · desperation · anguish · distress · anxiety · horror · shock · PTSD · paranoia
demand
Forceful request or requirement
- extortionObtaining through threats
- paymentFulfilling a financial obligation
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
ransom note · drop-off · exchange · wire transfer · cryptocurrency · deadline · proof of life · release · terms · million dollars
- parental kidnappingParent unlawfully takes own child
- kidnap victimOne forcibly taken
- kidnapping victimOne forcibly taken prisoner
- kidnapping ringCriminal enterprise seizing people
- kidnapping plotConspiracy to abduct someone
- attempted kidnappingUnsuccessful forcible taking