verb
entführen
kidnap · abduct
Jemanden gegen seinen Willen an einen anderen Ort bringen.
The German word "entführen" is a verb meaning "to kidnap" or "to abduct".
- It is made up of the prefix "ent-" (indicating removal or separation) and the root "führen" which means "to lead" or "to guide".
- So literally, it means "to lead away" or "to carry off".
Similar words:
- "kidnappen" (to kidnap, borrowed from English)
- "entkommen" (to escape – though with the opposite meaning)
- "wegbringen" (to take away)
Differences:
- "entführen" specifically means taking someone away by force (kidnapping/abduction).
- "kidnappen" is a borrowed, more informal/slang equivalent.
- "wegbringen" simply means taking away but without the forceful or illegal implication.
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Examples
Die Kriminellen entführen eine reiche Person.verb
The criminals kidnap a rich person.
Polizisten entführen niemals Kinder.verb
Police officers never abduct children.
Kriminelle versuchen manchmal, reiche Leute zu entführen.verb
Criminals sometimes try to kidnap rich people.
Der Mann entführte den Jungen aus der Schule.verb
The man abducted the boy from school.
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