1. Taking people away illegally by using force or any other means, and to keep them confined against their wills: There has been an increase in the abduction of children in many parts of the world; especially, in certain African countries where significant numbers are forced to become members of rebel armies.
2. Etymology: from Latin abductionem, abductio,"a leading away"; from abducere, "to lead away, to take away" (often by force), from ab-, "away" + ducere, "to lead".