ABDUCTION

abduction

(noun) (physiology) moving of a body part away from the central axis of the body

abduction

(noun) the criminal act of capturing and carrying away by force a family member; if a man’s wife is abducted it is a crime against the family relationship and against the wife

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

abduction (countable and uncountable, plural abductions)

Leading away; a carrying away. [Early 17th century.]

(anatomy) The act of abducing or abducting; a drawing apart; the movement which separates a limb or other part from the axis, or middle line, of the body. [Mid 17th century.]

(logic) A syllogism or form of argument in which the major premise is evident, but the minor is only probable. [Late 17th century.]

The wrongful, and usually forcible, carrying off of a human being. [Mid 18th century.]

Usage notes

• In Gregg shorthand (version: Centennial, Series 90, DJS, Simplified, Anniversary, Pre-Anniversary) the word is represented: a - b - d - u - k - sh

Synonyms

• (legal, carrying off of human being): appropriation; kidnapping; seizure; withdrawal

• (logic): retroduction; abstraction

Antonyms

• (physiology): adduction

replacement; restitution; restoration; surrender; reinstatement

Source: Wiktionary


Ab*duc"tion, n. Etym: [L. abductio: cf. F. abduction.]

1. The act of abducing or abducting; a drawing apart; a carrying away. Roget.

2. (Physiol.)

Definition: The movement which separates a limb or other part from the axis, or middle line, of the body.

3. (Law)

Definition: The wrongful, and usually the forcible, carrying off of a human being; as, the abduction of a child, the abduction of an heiress.

4. (Logic)

Definition: A syllogism or form of argument in which the major is evident, but the minor is only probable.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



RESET




Word of the Day

12 January 2025

HABIT

(noun) (psychology) an automatic pattern of behavior in reaction to a specific situation; may be inherited or acquired through frequent repetition; “owls have nocturnal habits”; “she had a habit twirling the ends of her hair”; “long use had hardened him to it”


coffee icon

Coffee Trivia

According to WorldAtlas, Finland is the biggest coffee consumer in the entire world. The average Finn will consume 12 kg of coffee each year.

coffee icon