Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Abductor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🚨
Add to dictionary

abductor

[æbˈdʌktər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

criminal context

An abductor is someone who unlawfully takes a person away by force or deception. This term is often associated with kidnapping and other criminal activities.

Synonyms

captor, kidnapper.

Examples of usage

  • The police are searching for the abductor.
  • Witnesses reported seeing the abductor near the playground.
  • The abductor had a history of violent crimes.
Context #2 | Noun

anatomical context

In anatomy, an abductor refers to a muscle whose contraction moves a limb or part away from the midline of the body. There are various abductor muscles in the human body, such as the abductor pollicis.

Synonyms

divisor, separator.

Examples of usage

  • The abductor muscles are crucial for leg movement.
  • Physical therapy often focuses on strengthening the abductors.
  • Injuries to the abductor muscles can affect mobility.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, abduction is often associated with kidnapping, which involves taking someone against their will.
  • Laws regarding abduction vary widely by country, often reflecting cultural views on child custody and safety.

Media Representation

  • Many movies and TV shows depict abduction as a suspenseful plot device, often involving kids being taken and heroic rescues.
  • The theme of abduction appears frequently in literature, showcasing the darker aspects of human behavior and societal fears.

Psychological Aspects

  • Research shows that the fear of abduction can lead to anxiety in children and parents, affecting how they interact with the world.
  • Perpetrators may use manipulation and deceit to facilitate abduction, tapping into psychological tactics to gain trust.

Cultural Impact

  • Abduction stories have been part of folklore across cultures, often symbolizing risk and the struggle of good versus evil.
  • In some cultures, abduction is historically linked to marriage customs, where a bride may be 'taken' as part of a traditional ritual.

Origin of 'abductor'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'abductus', meaning 'to lead away or carry off'.
  • In different languages, such as Spanish and French, the root is similar, showing shared origins in the Latin language.

The term 'abductor' originates from the Latin word 'abductorem', which means 'one who leads away'. This Latin word is derived from 'abducere', composed of 'ab-' meaning 'away' and 'ducere' meaning 'to lead'. The legal and medical usage of the term has evolved over time, particularly relating to criminal law where it refers to individuals who forcibly take others against their will. In anatomy, it applies to certain muscle functions that lead limbs away from the body’s midline. This dual meaning illustrates the word's flexibility in different contexts, highlighting both unlawful behavior and biological functions.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,644, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.