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. See adduct
   (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

Smith, along with others, abducted Johnson at gunpoint from an ATM.

From Washington Post

Many Aboriginal stories say the boys, or man, in Orion are chasing the seven sisters—and one of the sisters has died, or is hiding, or is too young, or has been abducted, so again only six are visible.

From Singularity Hub 

In more extreme cases, SARS officers abduct civilian targets and force them to make withdrawals at an ATM in exchange for their freedom, sometimes at gunpoint.

From Quartz

In cases where girls are abducted or tricked into marrying out of state, their experiences of isolation, dislocation and their struggle for a sense of belonging are much more nuanced.

From No Straight News

In many cases, these women are considered “missing” or remain abandoned by their family due to the shame and stigma associated with being sold or abducted for marriage.

From No Straight News

The day before there had been an attempt to abduct him, she says.

From The Daily Beast

When Syrian soldiers from the Interior Ministry roared up in a white Toyota van to abduct me, I was startled.

From The Daily Beast

“I thought no one could enter the tank and abduct me,” he said.

From The Daily Beast

The fairies abduct human children, leaving 'changelings' in cradles, or carry off wives to act as 'wet nurses' or midwives.

From Project Gutenberg

There was one particular villain, for instance, who attempted to abduct her no less than four times.

From Project Gutenberg

They sometimes abduct men who have never trod the deck of a ship p. 785before.

From Project Gutenberg

If he had abducted Ivan, would he hesitate to abduct Litizki if he found that the little tailor was in his way?

From Project Gutenberg

An ingenious, bold but unsuccessful attempt was made to abduct him from New York before the execution of the unfortunate Andre.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• kidnap
• seize
• snatch