abducts
/əbˈdʌkts/
VERB
1. Taking someone away by force
To unlawfully seize, kidnap, or carry a person away against their will, usually through force, violence, threats, or deception.
1.1. Kidnapping and forced removal
Used when someone forcibly or unlawfully takes another person away, often to hold them captive, demand ransom, or achieve another criminal purpose.
Synonyms
- kidnaps
- captures
- seizes
- snatches
- spirits
- takes
- makes away with
- makes off with
- runs off with
- shanghais
Antonyms
- rescues
- releases
- frees
- liberates
- returns
- restores
Examples
- The mysterious creature in the folklore allegedly abducts unsuspecting travelers in the night.
- The espionage thriller follows a spy who abducts an enemy agent for interrogation.
- The elusive creature purportedly abducts unsuspecting travelers in the folklore tales.
- The criminal organization specializes in a variety of illicit activities, including a scheme that abducts wealthy individuals for ransom.
Related Words
1.2. Secretly taking or carrying something away
Used when someone secretly takes, steals, or removes property or possessions without permission, although this usage is broader than the usual meaning of abducting a person.
Synonyms
- steals
- makes away with
- makes off with
- runs off with
- spirits
Antonyms
- returns
- restores
- delivers
- gives back
Examples
- In the novel, a master thief skillfully abducts a valuable artifact from a heavily guarded museum.
Related Words
- theft
- stealing
- robbery
- burglary
- looting
- misappropriation
- property
- possessions