Synonyms of abduction

abduction

noun

ab-ˈdək-shən 

as in kidnapping

the unlawful or forcible carrying away of a person or animal

discredited reports of abductions by aliens

Synonyms & Similar Words

• kidnapping
• rape
• hijacking
• snatch
• seizure
• impressment
• shanghaiing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of abduction

In Costa Rica, Sandinista operatives are suspected in a series of shootings, abductions and killings of Nicaraguan exiles in recent years. — Ismael López, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

Once Lamb starts publishing daily dispatches about her abduction at the hands of Indo‑Trinidadian radicals demanding a ransom, the writing is on the walls that this woman is going to die. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2026

For the story of a kidnapping (the plot is based on the real-life abduction of Dan O’Connell’s nephew), not that much happens. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026

Buhari benefited from outrage over the Chibok girls’ abduction to become the first opposition candidate to unseat a president, and Tinubu succeeded Buhari in power. — Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026