abduction

noun

ab-ˈdək-shən How to pronounce abduction (audio)
Definition of abductionnext
as in kidnapping
the unlawful or forcible carrying away of a person or animal discredited reports of abductions by aliens

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of abduction Upon further interrogation, this guy identifies both Sokolov and Renat as key players in her abduction. — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 20 Sep. 2026 When a child goes missing in the city, police are on alert for a possible abduction. — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026 During surveillance, Joe recognizes one of the men involved in her abduction, setting off an operation that erupts into a deadly restaurant shootout. — Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 20 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 See All Example Sentences for abduction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abduction
  1. kidnapping
  2. rape
Noun
  • In May, Tony Carruthers, who was convicted of kidnapping and murdering three people in 1994, was not executed because officials could not find a suitable vein for an IV line, so the drugs were not administered.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Singh previously pleaded guilty to numerous charges, including murder for hire, kidnapping and causing the death of a person through the use of a firearm during a crime of violence, federal prosecutors said in the news release.
    — Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of kidnapping
Noun
  • Petter, now 32, is among those sharing their own experiences online in response to the recent rape allegations that have emerged at a Cornell University fraternity house.
    — Windsor Johnston, NPR, 4 Oct. 2026
  • In 1995, the rape of a 12-year-old girl by three US servicemen unleashed outrage and mass protests in Okinawa.
    — Junko Ogura, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of rape

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abducting
abduction
abductions
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Cite this Entry

“Abduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abduction. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on abduction

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about abduction

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