'kidnap' originates from the 17th-century English word 'kidnap,' where 'kid' meant 'child' and 'nap' meant 'to snatch.'

'kidnap' changed from the 17th-century English word 'kidnap' and eventually became the modern English word 'kidnap.'

Initially, it meant 'to snatch a child,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to abduct someone.'