abduct
ab-DUHKT
/æbˈdʌkt/
To take someone away illegally by force or deception; kidnap.
Usually implies a physical removal of a person, often associated with crime or sci-fi (aliens).
The story behind the word. From Latin 'abducere', meaning 'to lead away'. In anatomy, it also refers to muscles that 'lead away' a limb from the body's midline.
Word relationships
- kidnap: 'Kidnap' is the more common, everyday term; 'abduct' is slightly more formal or technical.
- release: To let someone go rather than leading them away by force.
Commonly confused with
- hijack: Hijacking refers to vehicles; abducting refers to people.
Word family
- abduction (noun): The action of forcibly taking someone away against their will.
- abductor (noun): A person who abducts another person.
Collocations
- abduct a child
- alien abduction
- attempt to abduct
Example sentences
- "The millionaire's son was abducted from his home last night." News Report
Memory hook
Abduct is to lead 'Away' (Ab). Lead away by force.
When not to use
Do not use 'abduct' for inanimate objects; use 'steal' or 'theft' instead.
Fun facts
- In logic, 'abduction' is a form of reasoning that seeks the simplest and most likely explanation for an observation.
Also appears in
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