Verb

entführen

to kidnap, to abduct, to hijack

Sie haben den Geschäftsmann entführt.

They kidnapped the businessman.

Terroristen entführten das Flugzeug.

Terrorists hijacked the plane.

((sb./sth.)) to kidnap/abduct/hijack (sb./sth.) The pirates hijacked the ship.

Synonyms: kidnappen, verschleppen; Antonyms: freilassen, befreien

From the prefix 'ent-' (away) + 'führen' (to lead). Literally 'to lead away'.

Imagine someone being 'led away' against their will. The 'ent-' prefix signifies removal.

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