Synonyms

abduct

American

[ab-duhkt] / æbˈdʌkt /

verb (used with object)

to carry off or lead away (a person) illegally and in secret or by force, especially to kidnap.
Physiology. to move or draw away from the axis of the body or limb (adduct ).

abduct British

/ æbˈdʌkt /

verb

to remove (a person) by force or cunning; kidnap
(of certain muscles) to pull (a leg, arm, etc) away from the median axis of the body Compare adduct

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

abductor noun
unabducted adjective

Etymology

Origin of abduct

1825–35; < Latin abductus, past participle of abdūcere to abduce

Compare meaning

How does abduct compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

abduct vs. adduct

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"The police helicopter has arrived for land and air battle to free the abducted worshippers," Fanwo told AFP.

From Barron's

Mr Dare also reiterated President Bola Tinubu's promise to ensure the remaining abductees would be rescued, but failed to give assurances on how long it would take.

From BBC

A group of 24 Nigerian girls who were abducted from their boarding school over a week ago have been released, the country's president said.

From BBC

He posted on social media on Sunday that all the 38 worshippers abducted in Kwara state had been rescued.

From BBC

Calling for the release of the abductees, Pope Leo XIV expressed "immense sadness" and urged the authorities to act swiftly.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023