abducted

word · lemma: abduct

/æbˈdəktɪd/
ab-DUHK-tid
/ɐbdˈʌktɪd/
uh-DUHK-tid

Definition

Taken away by force, usually against someone's will, often referring to the illegal capture of a person.

Usage & Nuances

'Abducted' is formal and often used in news, law, or crime contexts. Main collocation: 'abducted by someone'. Don't confuse with 'kidnapped' (very similar), though 'abduct' can also refer to non-human subjects in specialized contexts (e.g., 'abducted by aliens').

Example Sentences

Police are searching for the abducted woman.

basic

He was abducted in the middle of the night.

basic

Rumors say people have been abducted by aliens in this area.

natural

The missing hikers were finally found, months after they were abducted.

natural

Even though she escaped, the trauma of being abducted lasted for years.

natural

The child was abducted from the park.

basic