Abduct — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ab-ˈdəkt/ ab·duct

Meaning & Definition of Abduct

Abduct (verb)

  1. to seize and take away (a person) by force
  2. to draw or spread away (a part of the body, such as a limb or the fingers) from a position near or parallel to the median axis of the body or from the axis of a limb

Abduct (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to carry away (as a person) forcibly or unlawfully

    "the gangsters planned to abduct the industrialist's young daughter and demand a huge ransom from her family"

    similar: kidnap, make away with, make off with, run off with
    related: capture, crimp, impress, seize, shanghai, waylay, abscond (with), snatch, spirit, hijack, catch, cop (slang), steal, take
    near: deliver, ransom, redeem, rescue, restore, return

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Abduct

The most common words with a similar meaning to Abduct:

kidnap, make away with, make off with, run off with

Related Words for Abduct

capture, crimp, impress, seize, shanghai, waylay, abscond (with), snatch, spirit, hijack, catch, cop, steal, take

Near Antonyms of Abduct

deliver, ransom, redeem, rescue, restore, return

Word Forms of Abduct

Inflections: abducted, abducting, abducts

Derived words: abductor (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Abduct

borrowed from Medieval Latin abdūctus, past participle of abdūcere "to draw (a limb) away from the body," going back to Latin "to lead away, carry off, remove, entice away," from ab- ab- + dūcere "to lead" tow:1

First known use: 1765

Frequently Asked Questions about Abduct

What does "Abduct" mean?

"Abduct" means to seize and take away (a person) by force. As a verb, it is defined as: to seize and take away (a person) by force.

What is another word for "Abduct"?

Other words for "Abduct" include kidnap, make away with, make off with and run off with. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Abduct" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Abduct"?

There are 18 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Abduct". Common alternatives include kidnap, make away with, make off with and run off with.

How do you use "Abduct" in a sentence?

Examples of "Abduct" in a sentence: "the gangsters planned to abduct the industrialist's young daughter and demand a huge ransom from her family".

Is "Abduct" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Abduct" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Abduct"?

"Abduct" is pronounced /ab-ˈdəkt/ and divided into syllables as ab·duct.

What is the origin of the word "Abduct"?

"Abduct" comes from borrowed from Medieval Latin abdūctus, past participle of abdūcere "to draw (a limb) away from the body," going back to Latin "to lead away, carry off, remove, entice away," from ab- ab- + dūcere "to lead" tow:1. First known use: 1765.

What is another word for "Abduct" meaning "to carry away (as a person) forcibly or unlawfully"?

When "Abduct" (verb) means to carry away (as a person) forcibly or unlawfully, synonyms include kidnap, make away with, make off with and run off with.