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secuestro

seh-KWES-trohseˈkwes.tɾo

“secuestro” means “kidnapping” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

kidnapping, hijacking

Also: abduction
NounmB2
A large, shadowy figure is forcefully pulling a smaller, distressed person away from a brightly lit area into the darkness, illustrating abduction.

📝 In Action

El secuestro de la aeronave duró varias horas antes de que interviniera la policía.

B2

The hijacking of the aircraft lasted several hours before the police intervened.

La familia pagó el rescate para asegurar la liberación del rehén.

C1

The family paid the ransom to ensure the hostage's release.

Las autoridades están investigando el secuestro de un empresario local.

B2

Authorities are investigating the kidnapping of a local businessman.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • rapto (abduction (often implies quick or forced taking))
  • plagio (kidnapping (less common, formal))

Common Collocations

  • secuestro exprés – express kidnapping (short-term, rapid ransom demand)
  • víctima de secuestro – kidnapping victim

seizure, sequestering

Also: confiscation
NounmC1formal
A uniformed authority figure is placing a large metal chain and padlock around a wooden storage chest, symbolizing the official seizure of property.

📝 In Action

El juez dictaminó el secuestro de las cuentas bancarias del sospechoso.

C1

The judge ordered the seizure of the suspect's bank accounts.

La policía realizó el secuestro de la droga y las armas encontradas en el almacén.

B2

The police carried out the confiscation of the drugs and weapons found in the warehouse.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • incautación (confiscation, seizure)
  • embargo (embargo, lien)

Common Collocations

  • secuestro de bienes – seizure of assets
  • orden de secuestro – seizure order

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: secuestro

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'secuestro' in its legal/property sense?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
secuestrar(to kidnap, to seize) — Verb
secuestrador(kidnapper (male)) — Noun
secuestrada(kidnapped woman/victim) — Adjective / Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes from the Latin term *sequestrum*, which originally referred to leaving something in the hands of a trusted person (a 'sequester') while a legal dispute was settled. This idea of 'taking control' evolved, first to the forceful seizing of property, and later, the forceful taking of a person.

First recorded: 15th century (in Spanish)

Cognates (Related words)

English: sequesterPortuguese: sequestro

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'secuestro' used for both people and objects?

Yes, 'secuestro' refers to the kidnapping of a person or the hijacking of a vehicle. In a formal, legal setting, it also means the seizure or confiscation of property or assets (like money or documents) by official order.

Is there a difference between 'secuestro' and 'rapto'?

Both mean abduction, but 'rapto' often implies a quick, sudden taking, and sometimes historically carried the connotation of taking a woman against her will, often with sexual motives. 'Secuestro' is the broader, more common term for kidnapping for ransom or political purposes.