Abduct
/æbˈdʌkt/noun
To take someone away unlawfully by force or deception.
Did you know?In ancient Roman law, abduction was often associated with kidnapping for the purpose of sexual exploitation or forced marriage, reflecting deep societal fears of loss and control.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ab-
“away from”
Latin
Latin
abductus
“carried away, taken away”
Late Latin
Late Latin
abductere
“to lead away or carry off”
14th Century
Middle English
abducten
“to carry off or take away, particularly from home or safety”
Modern English
English
abduct
“to forcibly take someone away, often implying a crime or violation”