Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| enlever | /ɑ̃l.ve/ |
| kidnapper | /kid.na.pe/ |
| ravir | /ʁa.viʁ/ |
To kidnap means to seize and detain a person unlawfully. While enlever is the standard verb for this action, it is also very commonly used in everyday language to mean 'to remove' or 'to take off', such as when removing clothing.
Which one should you use?
The verb enlever is the standard term, though its most common everyday use is 'to remove'. For a more literary tone, you might see ravir, though in modern French this word is much more frequently used to mean 'to delight' or 'to enchant'. The term kidnapper is also available. If you wish to describe the act of holding someone hostage, use the formal term séquestrer.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to the act of kidnapping, the common noun enlèvement is used. Other nouns that can represent an instance of kidnapping include kidnapping and rapt.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɑ̃l.ve/
Did you know?
- The noun rapt refers to an abduction, but it is a linguistic relative of the English word 'rapture'. Both come from a root meaning to seize or carry away.
- The word enlever is built from the prefix en- and the verb lever, which literally means 'to raise' or 'to lift'.
- The verb ravir has shifted from meaning 'to seize' to meaning 'to delight'. Today, calling someone ravissant means they are charming or lovely, rather than that they have been kidnapped.
Examples in context
- Le suspect a été arrêté pour avoir enlevé la victime.The suspect was arrested for kidnapping the victim.
- Ils ont kidnapé son chien pour demander une rançon.They kidnapped his dog to demand a ransom.
- Est-ce que tu te souviens du film où des pirates font un enlèvement dans les Caraïbes ?Do you remember the movie where pirates carry out a kidnapping in the Caribbean?
- Ils ont voulu enlever le ministre.They wanted to kidnap the minister.
- Le criminel a tenté d'enlever l'enfant.The criminal tried to kidnap the child.
Example conversation
Two people are discussing a crime thriller movie.
- HugoLe méchant va enlever la fille du maire.The villain is going to kidnap the mayor's daughter.
- EmmaC'est un scénario très classique, Hugo.That is a very classic plot, Hugo.
- HugoOui, mais l'action est très intense.Yes, but the action is very intense.
- EmmaJ'espère qu'il ne va pas réussir.I hope he doesn't succeed.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kidnap” translations and entries enlever, kidnapper, ravir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries enlever, kidnapper, ravir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
