Noun
/seˈkwestro/
The term secuestro primarily refers to the act of unlawfully taking someone away by force or fraud, commonly associated with kidnapping. It can also refer to the seizure of property or assets. In the Spanish language, it is used in both colloquial and formal contexts, particularly in legal discussions.
In terms of frequency, secuestro is commonly used in both oral and written contexts, but it appears more frequently in written communication, such as news articles and legal documents due to its serious implications.
The kidnapping of the girl was front-page news.
La policía ha intensificado la búsqueda después del secuestro.
The police have intensified the search following the abduction.
El secuestro de bienes por el gobierno es legal en ciertas circunstancias.
The term secuestro is not typically used in idiomatic expressions. However, its implications of unlawfulness and distress can relate to various expressions about crime and justice. Here are a few sentences illustrating how secuestro might appear in contexts that refer to broader themes like justice or consequences:
The country is fighting against kidnapping and impunity.
La familia vivió momentos de angustia durante el secuestro.
The family lived moments of anguish during the abduction.
Las leyes sobre el secuestro han sido endurecidas en los últimos años.
The word secuestro comes from the Latin word secuestrare, which means to “detach” or “withdraw.” It is derived from sequester, which means to isolate or take away. The term has evolved in Spanish to encompass both the act of kidnapping and the seizure of property.