Abduction

usgb/æbˈdʌkʃn/
noun

The act of taking someone away by force or threat, usually secretly.

The sudden disappearance of the girl was soon found to be a case of abduction.
Visual representation of "abduction" - The act of taking someone away by force or threat, usually secretly

Often appears as...

  • case of abduction
  • abduction of a child

Usage tips

Formal

Academic

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "abduction"
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Crime Related

Abduction in legal use always refers to a criminal act, often associated with kidnapping.

Illustration for Crime Related
The abduction charges were quite serious.
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Covert Action

Abduction usually involves secrecy, stress on stealth or surprise in the act.

Illustration for Covert Action
He was planning the abduction without anyone's knowledge.
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Force or Threat

The term implies use of force or threats, not a voluntary act by the victim.

Illustration for Force or Threat
The criminal's abduction method was to threaten victims with a knife.
Visual representation of the word "Abduction"

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