abduction

ab-duc-tion · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The action of forcibly taking someone away against their will; kidnapping.

  2. 2.

    (Anatomy) The movement of a limb or other body part away from the midline of the body.

  3. 3.

    (Logic) A form of reasoning that starts from an observation and seeks the simplest explanation.

Forms

plural: abductions

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    alien abduction — The supposed kidnapping of humans by extraterrestrial beings.
  • •
    child abduction — The unauthorized removal of a minor from their parent or guardian.

Related words

Antonyms: liberation, release
See also: abduct, abducted, kidnapping
Synonyms: kidnapping, seizure, snatching

Etymology

From Latin abductio ("a leading away"), from abducere ("to lead away"), from ab- ("away") + ducere ("to lead").