abduct

What does “abduct” mean?

verb.to kidnap someone or take them away by force.

SAT Usage

This verb is often found in contexts related to crime, law enforcement, or moral dilemmas. It emphasizes the coercive and illegal nature of the act, distinguishing it from similar terms like "take" or "remove," which lack the forceful connotation and moral implications associated with kidnapping.

Common Confusions

Abduct implies taking someone away by force or coercion, while remove usually suggests taking something away without the forceful or illegal connotation.

Example Sentences

• The criminal tried to abduct the heiress for ransom.

• The mysterious disappearance of the young girl sparked rumors that she had been abducted by a shadowy figure seen lurking near the playground.

Word Parts: How to Remember “abduct”

Break “abduct” into its parts: ab- (away from, off) + -duc- (lead). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: ab- away from, off (Latin)
• Root: -duc- lead (Latin)