Search Dictionary
Definition of petnapping

petnapping

/ˈpɛtˌnæp.ɪŋ/
pet · nap · ping
Plural:petnappings
•
Past Simple:petnapped
•
Past Participle:petnapped
•
Present Participle:petnapping
JUMP TO:

petnapping Lexical Profile

petnapping Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The crime or act of stealing someone's pet, typically to demand a ransom, sell the animal illegally, or collect a lost-pet reward.

Example

"Local authorities warned neighborhood residents to keep a close eye on their dogs in the park following a recent spate of petnappings."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for petnapping

• verb

1

To steal or abduct someone's pet, especially for ransom, illegal resale, or reward money (present participle of petnap).

Example

"Security cameras caught the thieves petnapping the purebred French bulldog right from the fenced front yard."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for petnapping

• Nearby Words

petition
petitioner
petnapper
petnapping
petrea
petrel
petri

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-20th century as a blend of 'pet' and 'kidnapping', substituting 'pet' for 'kid' (child).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Petnapping. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/petnapping
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.