abduct
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 (opposed to adduct).
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Origin of abduct
1Other words from abduct
- un·ab·duct·ed, adjective
Words Nearby abduct
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use abduct in a sentence
Smith, along with others, abducted Johnson at gunpoint from an ATM.
Supreme Court says Alabama cannot execute inmate without his pastor present | Robert Barnes | February 12, 2021 | Washington PostMany 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.
The World’s Oldest Story? Astronomers Say Global Myths About ‘Seven Sisters’ Stars May Reach Back 100,000 Years | Ray Norris | January 10, 2021 | Singularity HubIn 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.
How a youth-led digital movement is driving Nigeria’s largest protests in a decade | Yomi Kazeem | October 13, 2020 | QuartzIn 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.
Three Women: Stories Of Indian Trafficked Brides | LGBTQ-Editor | October 5, 2020 | No Straight NewsIn 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.
Three Women: Stories Of Indian Trafficked Brides | LGBTQ-Editor | October 5, 2020 | No Straight News
The day before there had been an attempt to abduct him, she says.
When Syrian soldiers from the Interior Ministry roared up in a white Toyota van to abduct me, I was startled.
“I thought no one could enter the tank and abduct me,” he said.
The fairies abduct human children, leaving 'changelings' in cradles, or carry off wives to act as 'wet nurses' or midwives.
The New Gresham Encyclopedia | VariousThere was one particular villain, for instance, who attempted to abduct her no less than four times.
Pieces of Hate | Heywood BrounThey sometimes abduct men who have never trod the deck of a ship p. 785before.
Lights and Shadows of New York Life | James D. McCabeIf he had abducted Ivan, would he hesitate to abduct Litizki if he found that the little tailor was in his way?
The Mission of Poubalov | Frederick R. (Frederick Russell) BurtonAn ingenious, bold but unsuccessful attempt was made to abduct him from New York before the execution of the unfortunate Andre.
Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution | L. Carroll Judson
British Dictionary definitions for abduct
/ (æbˈdʌkt) /
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
Origin of abduct
1Derived forms of abduct
- abductor, noun
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
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