How to Say "kidnapping" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “kidnapping” is “secuestro” — use 'secuestro' when referring to the crime or act of abduction itself, often involving ransom or illegal detention.
secuestro
seh-KWES-trohseˈkwes.tɾo
Examples
El secuestro de niños es un delito grave.
The kidnapping of children is a serious crime.
El secuestro de la aeronave duró varias horas antes de que interviniera la policía.
The hijacking of the aircraft lasted several hours before the police intervened.
La familia pagó el rescate para asegurar la liberación del rehén.
The family paid the ransom to ensure the hostage's release.
Las autoridades están investigando el secuestro de un empresario local.
Authorities are investigating the kidnapping of a local businessman.
Always Masculine
This noun is always masculine: 'el secuestro' (the kidnapping), 'un secuestro' (a kidnapping). Remember the gender even though it describes an action.
Confusing the Act and the Person
Mistake: “Usar 'secuestro' para la persona que secuestra.”
Correction: The act is 'el secuestro'. The person who commits the act is 'el/la secuestrador/a'.
secuestrador
seh-kwes-trah-DORsekwestɾaˈðoɾ
Examples
La policía capturó al grupo secuestrador.
The police captured the kidnapping group.
El grupo secuestrador huyó hacia las montañas.
The kidnapping group fled toward the mountains.
Describing groups
When used as a describing word, it must match the thing it describes. Since 'grupo' is masculine, we use 'secuestrador'.
Act vs. Actor
Related Translations
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