Kidnapping: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used in legal and news contexts to refer to the illegal taking of a person, especially a child, usually for ransom or other demands.

• The police arrested two men involved in the kidnapping of the billionaire's daughter.
• Kidnapping carries severe penalties under the law.

Often used in legal, formal, or serious contexts, it refers to the illegal taking away or carrying off of a person, typically by force or deception. Can also refer to taking something or someone without permission.

• Her family reported her abduction to the authorities.
• The plot of the movie revolves around the abduction of a famous scientist.

Usually refers to the act of capturing someone or something, often used in a legal or military context. Can also refer to medical conditions (e.g., epileptic seizure), but not in this sense.

• The government's seizure of the drug cartel's assets.
• There was a military operation resulting in the seizure of hostages.

Generally used in historical, military, or sometimes metaphorical contexts to describe the act of capturing someone, often in a situation of war or conflict.

• During the battle, many soldiers were taken captive by the enemy forces.
• The rebels were known for taking villagers captive during their raids.