kidnapper vs abductor

Both 'kidnapper' and 'abductor' are correct terms used to describe a person who unlawfully seizes and detains another person. They are interchangeable in most contexts, with 'kidnapper' being more commonly used in everyday language.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 672 views

The term 'kidnapper' is correct and commonly used to refer to a person who unlawfully seizes and detains another person.

"kidnapper"

You can use 'kidnapper' to describe someone who has kidnapped another person, meaning they have taken them by force or deception and are holding them against their will.

Examples:

The kidnapper demanded a ransom for the safe return of the child.
The police were able to track down the kidnapper and rescue the victim.

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Now picture yourself drowning the kidnapper in the stream.
The kidnapper staged attacks by impersonating law enforcement.
The kidnapper chose Major Tarrant's son.
But is he really a kidnapper?
Your kidnapper had at least a dozen procedures.
She's trying to catch the kidnapper.
Cubs Hat is definitely our kidnapper.
Something is very fishy about this kidnapper.
We think Bjorn knows his kidnapper.
I think our kidnapper had help.
Our kidnapper has a hit list.
I may have something for you on the kidnapper.
You're more a kidnapper than I am Ritchie Vanderlow.
I meant pity that the kidnapper's dead.
When the kidnapper calls, we'll hear everything.
Wonder if we'll ever catch her kidnapper.
And one witness describes the kidnapper as dressing up as Santa with a terrifying mask.
The kidnapper seems to have another victim.
Windsor was brutally murdered by Tori's kidnapper, who eluded us.
The kidnapper may have figured that out too.

Alternatives:

abductor
snatcher
captor
abductor
kidnap artist

The term 'abductor' is correct and can be used to describe a person who unlawfully seizes and detains another person.

"abductor"

You can use 'abductor' in the same way as 'kidnapper' to refer to someone who has taken another person by force or deception and is holding them against their will.

Examples:

The abductor was apprehended by the authorities before any harm could come to the victim.
The child's abductor was sentenced to life in prison for the crime.

Show examples from the web [+]

Very likely his abductor thought it appropriate.
Apparently her abductor kept her locked in a basement the entire time.
A serial abductor who traffics children for profit.
If she was the abductor, we'd have seen a visceral response.
Hopefully it's our abductor's, and he's in the system.
'Police say they are constructing a profile of a likely abductor. '
I was forced to follow the abductor's instructions.
I know you have surveillance photos of the abductor.
Police suspect his abductor is here in the Armstrong Houses.
Angela has a face for the abductor.
This footage was taken by his abductor, someone with ties to the Neo-Marxist movement.
Okay, Janet Thorton gave us the name of her abductor.
Sometimes in these cases, the victim will know their abductor.
And Arthur Francis was Michael's abductor.
One that could explain our mystery abductor.
Winnie, Spike's sending you a picture of Elliot's abductor.
This is a serial abductor so she's smart.
My guess is Bobby knew his abductor or trusted him.
I have information regarding Agent Keen's abductor.
The victim TAU Lieutenant Beth Davis and her likely abductor Ray Matthews.

Alternatives:

kidnapper
snatcher
captor
kidnap artist
criminal abductor

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kidnapper vs abductor

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