abduct

ab·duct

verb \ab-ˈdəkt, əb-; 2 also ˈab-ˌ\

Definition of ABDUCT

transitive verb

1

: to seize and take away (as a person) by force

2

: to draw or spread away (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

— ab·duc·tor \-ˈdək-tər\ noun

Examples of ABDUCT

1. <the gangsters planned to abduct the industrialist's young daughter and demand a huge ransom from her family>

Origin of ABDUCT

Latin abductus, past participle of abducere, literally, to lead away, from ab- + ducere to lead — more at tow

First Known Use: 1825

Related to ABDUCT

Synonyms: kidnap

Related Words: capture, crimp, impress, seize, shanghai, waylay; abscond (with), snatch, spirit; hijack (also highjack); catch, cop [slang], steal, take

Near Antonyms: deliver, ransom, redeem, rescue; restore, return

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Rhymes with ABDUCT

adduct, bile duct, conduct, construct, deduct, eruct, induct, instruct, obstruct, reluct, subduct