deduct
UK: dɪˈdʌkt | US: dɪˈdʌkt
vt. to subtract or take away (an amount) from a total
vt. to infer or conclude logically from general principles
vt. (law) to withhold (taxes, payments, etc.) from income
The word "deduct" originates from Latin deducere ("to lead down or away"), combining de- (away) and ducere (to lead). It entered English in the 15th century via Old French deduire, initially meaning "to subtract" mathematically and later expanding to logical inference and financial withholding. The core idea of "leading away" persists in all modern meanings.
The bank will deduct the service fee from your account automatically.
From the evidence, we can deduct that the suspect was present at the scene.
Employers must deduct income tax before paying salaries.
She carefully deducted all expenses to calculate the net profit.
Philosophers often deduct universal principles from specific observations.