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noun Uncommon

abduction

uhb-DUHK-shn
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Abduction (noun) means the crime of taking a person away by force or deception, typically to hold them against their will. Example: “Police treated the missing teenager's case as a possible abduction.”

noun
1
The crime of taking a person away by force or deception, typically to hold them against their will.
"Police treated the missing teenager's case as a possible abduction."
"The film is based on a real-life child abduction from the 1980s."
"The novel begins with the mysterious abduction of a young girl from a quiet village."
2
(anatomy) The movement of a limb away from the midline of the body.
"The physiotherapist tested the shoulder's range of abduction."
"Lifting your arm sideways is an example of shoulder abduction."
"Hip abduction exercises help strengthen the muscles on the outside of the thigh."

How to use abduction

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTaking someone away by force — kidnapping. In anatomy, it means moving a body part away from the center line of the body.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "adduction," the opposite anatomical movement (bringing a limb toward the body).

Easily confused with
adduction →
Common pairings
child abduction alien abduction abduction of the arm
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Word forms

Plural
abductions
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Fill the gap

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Police treated the missing teenager's case as a possible _____.

Etymology

From Latin abductio, "a leading away," from ab- ("away") + ducere ("to lead") — the same root that gives us "conduct" and "duct."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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retroduction abstraction

Antonyms

adduction replacement restitution restoration surrender reinstatement

Related words

taking return fall deliver replacement compensation submit sacrifice

Rhymes for abduction

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation diffusion elocution extension oxidation perfusion selection
See all rhymes for abduction →

Frequently asked questions

What does “abduction” mean?
The word “abduction” means the crime of taking a person away by force or deception, typically to hold them against their will. In plain terms, taking someone away by force — kidnapping. In anatomy, it means moving a body part away from the center line of the body.
How do you pronounce “abduction”?
“Abduction” is pronounced uhb-DUHK-shn (/æbˈdʌk.ʃn̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “abduction” in a sentence?
Here is “abduction” used in a sentence: “Police treated the missing teenager's case as a possible abduction.”
What is another word for “abduction”?
Words with a similar meaning to “abduction” include retroduction and abstraction.
What is the opposite of “abduction”?
The opposite of “abduction” — its antonyms — are adduction, replacement, restitution, restoration and surrender.
What part of speech is “abduction”?
“Abduction” is a noun.
Where does the word “abduction” come from?
The word “abduction” comes from Latin. From Latin abductio, "a leading away," from ab- ("away") + ducere ("to lead") — the same root that gives us "conduct" and "duct.".
Is “abduction” a common word?
“Abduction” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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taking return fall deliver replacement compensation submit sacrifice