abuse
21 synonyms and 0 antonyms for abuse, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Cruel or violent treatment of a person, often repeated.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use abuse
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin abusus, "misused," from ab- ("away") plus uti ("to use") — literally a "using away" or using something up wrongly.
Full origin of abuse →Frequently asked questions
What does “abuse” mean?
The word “abuse” means cruel or violent treatment of a person, often repeated. In plain terms, harmful or improper treatment of a person, or the wrongful use of something like power or drugs.
How do you pronounce “abuse”?
“Abuse” is pronounced uh-BYOOS (/əˈbjus/ in IPA).
How do you use “abuse” in a sentence?
Here is “abuse” used in a sentence: “The charity supports survivors of domestic abuse.”
What part of speech is “abuse”?
Depending on how it is used, “abuse” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “abuse” come from?
The word “abuse” comes from Latin. From Latin abusus, "misused," from ab- ("away") plus uti ("to use") — literally a "using away" or using something up wrongly.
Is “abuse” a common word?
“Abuse” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “abuse” have?
“Abuse” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: cruel or violent treatment of a person, often repeated.
What are the types of abuse?
Abuse takes several forms. Physical abuse involves violence or bodily harm. Emotional or psychological abuse uses intimidation, control, or humiliation. Verbal abuse relies on hurtful language. Financial abuse controls someone's money or resources. Neglect, the failure to provide basic care, is also widely recognized as a serious form of abuse.
What is the difference between abuse and bullying?
Both involve harmful, repeated mistreatment, but the context differs. Abuse usually describes cruel treatment within a relationship of trust or power, such as by a family member or carer. Bullying more often refers to intimidation among peers, at school or work. Bullying can be a form of abuse, and the terms overlap.
What is the difference between abuse and misuse?
The noun has two senses. When it refers to people, abuse means cruel or violent treatment. When it refers to things, it overlaps with misuse — the wrong or improper use of something, as in substance abuse or abuse of power. Context shows whether a person or a thing is meant.
Why is recognizing abuse important?
Recognizing abuse is the first step toward stopping it and protecting those affected. Because it is often repeated and hidden, harm can continue unnoticed for a long time. Understanding the signs helps people seek support, and many organizations and helplines exist to offer confidential advice and assistance to anyone at risk.