Kid"nap` (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Kidnaped (?) or Kidnapped; p. pr. & vb. n. Kidnaping or Kidnapping.] [Kid a child + Prov. E. nap to seize, to grasp. Cf. Knab, Knap, Nab.]

To take (any one) by force or fear, and against one's will, with intent to carry to another place.

Abbott.

You may reason or expostulate with the parents, but never attempt to kidnap their children, and to make proselytes of them. Whately.

⇒ Originally used only of stealing children, but now extended in application to any human being, involuntarily abducted.

© Webster 1913.