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Abduct Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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abduct

[əbˈdʌkt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

crime

Take (someone) away illegally by force or deception; kidnap.

Synonyms

capture, kidnap, seize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
abduct

This word is often used in serious situations where someone is taken against their will, usually for a longer period and with malicious intent, sometimes involving criminal activity.

  • The child was abducted from the playground
  • The police are investigating the abducted diplomat's case
kidnap

Similar to 'abduct,' but specifically suggests taking people, especially with the intention of demanding a ransom. Often used in news and crime reports.

  • The wealthy businessman was kidnapped and held for ransom
  • Kidnapping has become a major issue in the region
seize

Mainly used to describe taking control of something forcefully, such as property, goods, or power. It does not always imply taking people and does not have the same emotional weight as 'abduct' or 'kidnap'.

  • The authorities seized a large shipment of illegal drugs
  • Rebel forces seized control of the government building
capture

Use this word for situations where someone or something is taken or held, often by force, but not necessarily implying long-term detention. It is used in both military and criminal contexts.

  • The soldiers managed to capture the enemy base
  • The fugitive was finally captured after a long chase

Examples of usage

  • They were abducted at gunpoint.
  • The businessman was abducted and held for ransom.
  • The child was abducted on her way home from school.
Context #2 | Verb

medical

Move (a body part) away from its normal position, especially a limb from its joint.

Synonyms

dislocate, move, pull.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
abduct

Used in situations involving forcefully taking someone away, usually against their will. Often seen in serious or criminal contexts.

  • The children were abducted by strangers.
  • The movie is about a girl who was abducted by aliens.
move

Very general term used to describe changing position or place. Can be used in both physical and metaphorical senses.

  • We need to move the furniture to the other room.
  • He's moving to a new city next month.
dislocate

Often used in medical contexts to describe a bone that has moved out of its normal position in a joint.

  • She dislocated her shoulder during the match.
  • The doctor said he had dislocated his knee.
pull

Used to describe the action of drawing something toward oneself, usually requiring some effort. Can also be used in informal or casual contexts.

  • She pulled the door open.
  • They pulled the car out of the ditch.

Examples of usage

  • He managed to abduct his shoulder without too much pain.
  • The doctor instructed the patient to slowly abduct her arm.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Law

  • In legal terms, abduction refers to taking a person, often a minor, unlawfully.
  • There are serious penalties for abducting someone, as laws are strict to protect individuals, especially children.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often depict abductions in thrillers or horror films, creating suspense around missing persons.
  • The term is frequently used in sci-fi contexts, with aliens depicted as abducting humans for experimentation.

Psychology

  • Abduction can cause trauma and fear, impacting mental health and relationships for the victim.
  • Understanding abduction helps in creating prevention methods and victim support frameworks.

History

  • Throughout history, abduction has been seen in various cultures, sometimes as a method of marriage or conflict.
  • Notable historical abductions include kidnappings linked to political motives, sparking international incidents.

Origin of 'abduct'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'abductus', meaning 'to lead away'.
  • It combines the prefix 'ab-' (away from) and 'ducere' (to lead), giving a clear picture of taking something away.

The word 'abduct' originates from the Latin word 'abductus', which means 'led away'. It first appeared in English in the early 17th century. The term was initially used in legal contexts to refer to the unlawful taking of a person, later expanding to include medical terminology for moving a body part away from its normal position.

See also: abductees, abduction.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,754 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.