kidnappeur
/kid.na.pœʁ/masculine
The French word for "kidnapper" is kidnappeur. Wiktionary also lists ravisseur.
Meaning: one who performs kidnap (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| kidnappeur | /kid.na.pœʁ/ | masculine |
| ravisseur | /ʁa.vi.sœʁ/ | masculine |
Both kidnappeur and ravisseur refer to an individual who performs a kidnapping. While kidnappeur is a direct loanword from English, it is commonly understood in modern French.
Which one should you use?
kidnappeur is a direct loanword from English, whereas ravisseur is the more traditional French term. ravisseur is typically used in more formal, legal or literary contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form kidnappeur can be changed to the feminine form kidnappeuse to refer specifically to a female kidnapper.
How do you pronounce it?
/kid.na.pœʁ/
Did you know?
- The traditional term ravisseur comes from the verb ravir, which does not only mean 'to kidnap' but also 'to delight' or 'to enchant'.
- While kidnappeur is common, French speakers often use the phrase enlèvement d'enfant for the act, which literally means 'the lifting away of a child'.
- Because ravisseur comes from ravir meaning 'to seize', it was historically used to describe someone stealing a bride or groom from their wedding.
Examples in context
- La police arrêta le kidnappeur.Police arrested the kidnapper.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use kidnappeur in a sentence about a police arrest.Tatoeba #2841427 by TheZombieParrot, translation #2841153 by APagano
- La police a arrêté le ravisseur d'enfants.The police arrested the kidnapper of children.
- J'ai entendu dire que le kidnappeur a exigé une rançon.I heard that the kidnapper demanded a ransom.
- Le kidnappeur a laissé une note.The kidnapper left a note.
- Ils cherchent le kidnappeur depuis hier.They have been looking for the kidnapper since yesterday.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are discussing a true crime news report.
- NathanLe kidnappeur a été arrêté ce matin.The kidnapper was arrested this morning.
- ManonC'est une excellente nouvelle, Nathan.That is excellent news, Nathan.
- NathanOui, la victime est maintenant en sécurité.Yes, the victim is now safe.
- ManonJe suis vraiment soulagée pour elle.I am really relieved for her.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kidnapper” translations and entries kidnappeur, ravisseur, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kidnappeur, ravisseur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
