rapt

abduction

noun RAPT Rare

Origin: from Latin raptus, 'seizure'

Also means

kidnapping

Usage Note

Rapt is the legal and journalistic term for kidnapping, especially of a minor or high-profile person. The final -t is pronounced, making it one of the exceptions to French silent-final-consonant rules. The verb is ravir or more specifically enlever; the agent noun is ravisseur (m).

Examples

"La police enquête sur un rapt d'enfant."

Natural Translation

The police are investigating a child abduction.

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