abduct
UK: əbˈdʌkt | US: æbˈdʌkt
vt. to carry off or lead away (a person) illegally or by force, especially to kidnap
vt. (Physiology) to move a body part away from the midline of the body
The word "abduct" originates from Latin abductus, the past participle of abducere ("to lead away"). It combines ab- (denoting separation) and ducere (a foundational verb meaning "to lead"). This logical pairing reflects the act of forcibly leading someone away, later specialized in English for kidnapping (early 17th century) and physiological movement (19th century). The root ducere also appears in words like "conduct" and "induct," emphasizing directional control.
The criminals planned to abduct the CEO for ransom.
In anatomy, the supraspinatus muscle helps abduct the arm.
The spy was abducted from his hotel room at midnight.
Some birds abduct their prey to feed their young.
The documentary exposed a human trafficking ring that abducted migrants.