Kidnapping vs abduction

Question

What´s the difference between kidnapping and abduction? Thanks for answering.

Answer 1

Abduction is legally defined as the process of carrying someone away by force or fraud. While kidnapping involves carrying another person away, it does not have to be by fraud. Kidnapping typically involves capturing another individual with the intent to hold him for ransom or using the individual as a hostage. Abduction and kidnapping have several differing characteristics.

Here is a link that explains it better. Kidnapping/Abduction

Clever, I never thoughtof that. For the victim, it's much the same though. Abducted by force. - annierats, Jan 9, 2013

Thank you so much, Rac!! and thanks for the link, it´s explained clearly! - luisssito, Jan 9, 2013

De nada mi amigo! - rac1, Jan 9, 2013

Answer 2

None.

See rac's answer.. - annierats, Jan 9, 2013

Answer 3

In casual use, there is no difference. Legally, there are plenty distinctions.

Even in casual use, Kidnapping carries a strong connotation of ransom. Kidnapping can be illegal, but not forced, such as one member of fighting divorced parents leaving with a kid against the law, but not against the kids will.

Abduction is more generalized, and implies force.

Attorneys could provide a lot more differentiation, I´d venture.

But in common use, they´re pretty closed to interchangable with abduction sounding a bit more formal.

Thanks!!! - luisssito, Jan 9, 2013

Answer 4

From Merriam-Webster

ab·duc·tion
/ab?d?kSH?n/ Noun

The action or an instance of forcibly taking a person or persons away against their will. (in legal use) The illegal removal of a child from parents or guardians.

Synonyms kidnapping - ravishment

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kidnapping present participle of kid·nap Verb Take (someone) away illegally by force, typically to obtain a ransom.

Thanks!!! - luisssito, Jan 9, 2013