abductions
/əbˈdʌkʃənz/
NOUN
1. Wrongful taking of a person
The unlawful or usually forcible acts of taking people away against their will, often through violence, threats, or deception.
1.1. Kidnapping and forced removal
Used to describe criminal incidents in which people are seized, kidnapped, or carried away against their will, sometimes for ransom or other unlawful purposes.
Synonyms
- kidnappings
- kidnapings
- snatches
- seizures
- highjackings
- hijackings
- impressments
Examples
- The town was on edge as rumors circulated about a series of mysterious abductions in the area.
- Authorities warned citizens to stay vigilant following a spike in reported abductions across the city.
- The activist group organized protests to draw attention to the government's alleged involvement in the abductions of political dissidents.
- International agencies collaborated to investigate and combat the growing problem of human trafficking and abductions.
- The documentary shed light on the untold stories of survivors who had endured traumatic abductions and captivity.
Related Words
- abductors
- kidnappers
- captives
- hostages
- ransom
- captivity
- confinement
- detention
- human trafficking
- forced disappearance
1.2. Sexual assault and unlawful taking
Used in historical or specific legal terminology for acts involving the unlawful carrying away or seizure of a person for sexual purposes. This usage is distinct from ordinary kidnapping.
Synonyms
Examples
- The historical records documented several abductions involving the unlawful removal of women for forced marriage.
Related Words
NOUN
2. Separation of a body part from the body's axis
The movements that draw a limb or another body part away from the median axis or central line of the body.
2.1. Anatomical movement
Used in anatomy and physiology to describe outward movements that separate a limb or body part from the body's midline.
Synonyms
Examples
- The physical therapist evaluated the patient's shoulder abductions to assess joint mobility.
- Repeated hip abductions can help strengthen the muscles responsible for moving the legs outward.
Related Words
- abduction movement
- adduction
- abductor muscles
- adductor muscles
- limbs
- joints
- median axis
- muscle movement
- physiology