The unlawful seizure and detention of a person against their will, typically involving moving them from one location to another or holding them in a hidden location. Modern statutes often include taking someone for ransom, to commit other crimes, or to harm them.
Originally 'kid-nabbing' from 17th century slang, where 'kid' meant child and 'nab' meant to catch or steal. It initially referred specifically to stealing children to sell as servants or slaves in American colonies, but expanded to cover abduction of any person.
The word 'kidnapping' literally meant 'child-snatching' and originally described stealing kids to ship them off as indentured servants! Today's legal twist: you can kidnap someone by moving them just a few feet - even forcing someone from their front door into their house can qualify if done with criminal intent.
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