How to Sign "Kidnap"

To sign 'kidnap', start by holding up your non-dominant hand with the index finger pointing upward, representing a person. With your dominant hand, firmly grasp the raised index finger and pull it quickly downward and towards yourself. This sharp motion mimics the action of snatching or taking someone away by force.

Examples Using "Kidnap" in a Sentence

1

The villain's plan was to kidnap the hero.

Sign 'kidnap' by sharply pulling your non-dominant index finger downward to emphasize the sudden and forceful action.

2

Did someone kidnap your dog?

Use the sign for 'kidnap' followed by 'your' and 'dog', making sure to raise your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.

3

The police stopped the attempt to kidnap him.

Sign 'police', 'stop', and then 'kidnap', ensuring the grabbing motion is clear and distinct.

How to Sign "Kidnap"
To sign 'kidnap', start by holding up your non-dominant hand with the index finger pointing upward, representing a person. With your dominant hand, firmly grasp the raised index finger and pull it quickly downward and towards yourself. This sharp motion mimics the action of snatching or taking someone away by force.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a great example of ASL's visual logic. The upright non-dominant index finger acts as a classifier representing an individual person. The dominant hand grabbing it and pulling it away literally depicts the act of taking someone by force.
Signing Tips
Focus on the speed and sharpness of the movement. The action of pulling your non-dominant index finger downward should be quick and decisive to accurately convey the forceful nature of snatching someone.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is confusing this sign with 'steal'. Remember that 'steal' involves swiping a 'V' handshape along your non-dominant arm, whereas 'kidnap' specifically involves grabbing an upright index finger.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Kidnap" in a Sentence
1

The villain's plan was to kidnap the hero.

Sign 'kidnap' by sharply pulling your non-dominant index finger downward to emphasize the sudden and forceful action.

2

Did someone kidnap your dog?

Use the sign for 'kidnap' followed by 'your' and 'dog', making sure to raise your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.

3

The police stopped the attempt to kidnap him.

Sign 'police', 'stop', and then 'kidnap', ensuring the grabbing motion is clear and distinct.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign to mean stealing an object?

No, this sign is specifically used for kidnapping or taking a living being, like a person or an animal. If you want to talk about stealing an object, you should use the standard sign for 'steal'.

Why is the index finger used in this sign?

In ASL, an upright index finger is a common classifier used to represent a single person standing up. Grabbing it visually demonstrates a person being taken away.

Should I use facial expressions with this sign?

Yes! Depending on the context of your sentence, you should use a serious, intense, or shocked facial expression to match the gravity of the word 'kidnap'.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!