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

Other Word Forms

• unabducted adjective
• abductor noun

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

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.

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on BBC

Police said that security agencies were "combing the forests with a view to rescue the abducted students".

Read more on BBC

Since August, military strikes targeting rebel fighters have claimed the lives of 15 abducted children, Colombian officials said Monday.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• kidnap 
• seize 
• snatch