Search Dictionary
Definition of kidnapper

kidnapper

/ˈkɪd.næp.ər/
(UK: kidnapper)
kid · nap · per
Plural:kidnappers
JUMP TO:

kidnapper Lexical Profile

kidnapper Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who unlawfully abducts and holds someone captive against their will, typically to demand a ransom or concession.

Example

"The police negotiator worked through the night to persuade the kidnapper to release the hostages safely."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for kidnapper
Antonyms
View all antonyms for kidnapper

Word Nuance & Usage

Both 'kidnapper' (standard worldwide) and 'kidnaper' (an older American English variant) are recognized spellings, though the double 'p' is vastly more common today.

• Nearby Words

kidlike
kidlit
kidnap
kidnapper
kidnapping
kidney
kidney bean

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in late 17th-century thieves' cant from 'kid' (child) and 'nap' (a variant of 'nab', meaning to snatch), originally referring to criminals who stole children to work as indentured servants in the American colonies.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Kidnapper. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 1, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/kidnapper
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.