What does the term "abduct" refer to in legal terms?

In legal terms, "abduct" specifically refers to the act of unlawfully taking or carrying away a person by force or fraud, which closely aligns with the concept of sequestering or hiding someone where they cannot be found. This definition emphasizes the notion of removing an individual from their environment and placing them in a situation where they are kept out of view, often against their will.

The action of abducting typically involves not just physical removal but also the intent to prevent the person from being located or escaping, thereby directly impacting their freedom and safety. In contrast, the other options refer to different forms of unlawful behavior, such as property theft, which is not related to personal abduction, or threats and restraint, which may or may not involve the element of hiding that is core to abduction. Thus, the correct understanding of "abduct" centers on the unlawful concealment and removal of a person, fully capturing the essence of the term in a legal context.