abduct
word
Definition
To take someone away by force, often against their will, especially to get money or for other illegal reasons.
Usage & Nuances
"Abduct" is formal and often appears in legal or news contexts. Frequently used with 'child', 'person', 'victim'; 'abductee' is the person taken. Not for objects—use 'steal' for things. Sometimes confused with 'kidnap', which is more common in everyday English.
Spanish: secuestrar - raptarPortuguese (BR): sequestrar - raptarPortuguese (PT): raptar - sequestrarChinese (Simplified): 绑架 - 劫持Chinese (Traditional): 綁架 - 劫持Hindi: अपहरण करनाArabic: يختطف
Example Sentences
They tried to abduct the child from the playground.
basic
The criminal planned to abduct the businessman.
basic
Aliens are said to abduct people in old stories.
basic
The suspects managed to abduct two hostages before escaping.
natural
No one actually saw who tried to abduct her.
natural
He claimed he was abducted by strangers late at night.
natural