First Known Use: 1825
Dictionary
abduct
verb ab·duct \ab-ˈdəkt, əb-; 2 also ˈab-ˌ\
: to take (someone) away from a place by force
Full 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
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Origin of ABDUCT
Latin abductus, past participle of abducere, literally, to lead away, from ab- + ducere to lead — more at tow
Related to ABDUCT
- Synonyms
- kidnap
ABDUCT Defined for Kids
abduct
verb ab·duct \ab-ˈdəkt\
ab·duct·edab·duct·ing
Definition of ABDUCT for Kids
: to take a person away by force : kidnap
— ab·duc·tion \ab-ˈdək-shən\ noun
Medical Dictionary
abduct
transitive verb ab·duct \ab-ˈdəkt, əb- also ˈab-ˌ\
Medical Definition of ABDUCT
: to draw away (as a limb) from a position near or parallel to the median axis of the body <the peroneus longus extends, abducts, and everts the foot—C. R. Bardeen>; also : to move (similar parts) apart <abduct adjoining fingers>
—ab·duc·tion \ab-ˈdək-shən, əb-\ noun
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