abˈdəkt, əb- transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Latin abductus, past participle of abducere literally, to lead away, from ab- ab- (I) + ducere to lead — more at tow (pull)
1. : to carry (a person) off by force : lead (a child) away wrongfully — compare abduction , kidnap
2.
[back-formation from abduction ]
: to draw (as a limb) away from a position near or parallel to the median axis of the body
the peroneus longus extends, abducts, and everts the foot — C.R.Bardeen
the deltoid muscle plays a major part in abducting the arm
also : to separate (similar parts)
abduct adjoining fingers