abduct
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /æbˈdʌkt/
KK: /æbˈdʌkt/
transitive verb
Definition
To take someone away by force or against their will, often in a criminal manner.
Example
The criminal attempted to abduct the child from the playground.
Tense Forms
Past: abducted
Past Participle: abducted
Conversation
Did you hear about that movie where they try to abduct a scientist?
Yeah, I saw the trailer! It looks really intense.
I wonder what kind of plan they have to abduct him without getting caught.
It'll be interesting to see if they manage to pull it off in the end!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
kidnap
snatch
capture
Antonyms
release
return
liberate
Root Explanation
It is formed from "ab-" (meaning away) and "ducere" (meaning to lead). It describes the act of leading someone away by force.
Memory Tip
Think of someone 'leading' ('ducere') someone 'away' ('ab-') — that's why abduct means to take someone away.
Visually Confused Words
adduct
duct
abut