What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
kidnapping
Example
The businessman was kidnapped by a group of criminals. [kidnapped: past tense]
Example
Kidnapping is a serious crime that can result in severe punishment. [kidnapping: noun]
abduction
Example
The police are investigating the abduction of a young girl from her home. [abduction: noun]
Example
She was abducted by her ex-boyfriend and held captive for several days. [abducted: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Kidnapping is more commonly used in everyday language than abduction. This is because kidnapping is a more specific term that covers a wider range of contexts, while abduction is often used in legal or technical contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between kidnapping and abduction?
Abduction is often used in legal or technical contexts, making it a more formal term than kidnapping. However, both words can be used in formal or informal contexts depending on the situation.
