Kaappaus

Kaappaus is a Finnish noun meaning the act of seizing or taking control, with several related senses depending on context. In political science and contemporary history, kaappaus refers to a coup d'état—a sudden, organized attempt by a group to seize power and replace the government. Such events are typically characterized by the use or threat of force, rapid action, and attempts to bypass or override existing constitutional processes.

In criminal law, kaappaus denotes kidnapping or abduction, the unlawful taking of a person and holding them in custody against their will. This sense is common in everyday language and legal discussions, where it is translated as kidnapping.

Etymology: derived from the verb kaapata “to seize” with the agentive noun suffix -us, forming kaappaus, the act or process of seizing.

Usage: The word is neutral but its interpretation depends on context. When used without qualification, it often refers to political power seizures (coups); when used in a criminal or investigative context, it refers to kidnapping. In journalistic usage, kaappaus is typically clarified by accompanying terms such as “vallankaappaus” (state capture) or “henkilön kaappaaminen” (kidnapping).

See also: Coup d'état; Kidnapping.