The process of having been carried or taken away, such as a wife, a child, a ward, or a voter: In many parts of the world, the abductions of minors under the age of sixteen take place without the consent of their parents or guardians.

The story of the Lindbergh baby abduction on March 1, 1932, was news all around the world when the child's absence was discovered and reported to his parents, who were at home, at approximately 10:00 p.m.

Today there are many reports of abductions taking place in impoverished countries.