abduct

[ ab-duhkt ]

verb (used with object)

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

abduct

/ æbˈdʌkt /

verb

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

Derived Forms

• abˈductor, noun

Other Words From

• unab·ducted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of abduct¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of abduct¹

C19: from the past participle of Latin abdūcere to lead away

Example Sentences

The defendants wanted to abduct him from his place of work over "fraudulent activity" they believed he was committing.

From BBC

The group was known to abduct children and turn them into child soldiers or sex slaves.

From BBC

Mexican officials say Joaquín Guzmán Lopez, 38, and his brother Ovidio, 34, who was extradited to the U.S. last year, plotted to abduct Zambada in an effort to receive leniency in their own cases.

From Los Angeles Times

Mark Christopher, 59, Matthew Martin, 47, Shiza Harper, 45, and Sean Harper, 38, wanted to "shut down" Essex Coroner's Court and abduct senior coroner Lincoln Brookes in April 2023.

From BBC

Mark Christopher, 58, Matthew Martin, 47, Shiza Harper, 45, and Sean Harper, 38 - from Essex and east London - deny plotting to abduct Mr Brookes.

From BBC

Related Words

• kidnap
• seize
• snatch