What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
kidnap
Example
The wealthy businessman was kidnapped by a group of criminals. [kidnapped: past tense]
Example
The kidnappers demanded a large sum of money in exchange for the safe return of the victim. [kidnap: verb]
capture
Example
The army was able to capture the enemy's stronghold after a long battle. [capture: verb]
Example
The police were able to capture the suspect after a high-speed chase. [capture: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Capture is more commonly used than kidnap in everyday language. Capture is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while kidnap is less common and usually associated with criminal or illegal activities.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between kidnap and capture?
Both kidnap and capture are formal words and are typically used in serious or professional contexts, such as news reports, legal documents, or military operations.