Enlever vs. kidnapper
The French words enlever and kidnapper both translate to to kidnap or to abduct in English but are used in slightly different contexts. This article aims to clarify the subtle distinctions between them.
Enlever
A2Enlever is a French verb that generally means to remove or take away something, which can include the act of abducting someone. However, it carries a broader range of applications beyond kidnapping and can be used in various non-criminal contexts as well.
Il a enlevé la table pour faire de la place.
(He removed the table to make space.)
Les oeuvres d'art ont été enlevées du musée.
(The artworks were taken away from the museum.)
L'enfant a été enlevé par un inconnu.
(The child was abducted by a stranger.)
Kidnapper
B1Kidnapper is the French verb that specifically corresponds to the English to kidnap, denoting the illegal act of abducting someone, usually for ransom or other criminal purposes. It has a narrower scope and is explicitly associated with crime.
Le bandit a kidnappé le riche homme d'affaires.
(The bandit kidnapped the wealthy businessman.)
Les autorités ont arrêté les kidnappeurs.
(The authorities arrested the kidnappers.)
Summary
Enlever is a more versatile word that can be applied to general acts of removal or taking away, and only contextually signifies abduction, while kidnapper is used specifically for criminal acts of abduction and does not vary in meaning. In practice, when referring to abduction or kidnapping specifically, kidnapper is preferred due to its clarity in indicating a criminal activity.