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View synonyms for abduct

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


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Derived Forms

  • abˈductor, noun

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Other Words From

  • unab·ducted adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of abduct1

1825–35; < Latin abductus, past participle of abdūcere to abduce

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Word History and Origins

Origin of abduct1

C19: from the past participle of Latin abdūcere to lead away

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Example Sentences

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.

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

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

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

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

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abducent nerveabductee