abuse
uh-BYOOS
Abuse (noun) means Cruel or violent treatment of a person, often repeated. Example: “The charity supports survivors of domestic abuse.”
noun
1
Cruel or violent treatment of a person, often repeated.
"The charity supports survivors of domestic abuse."
"Reports of abuse at the facility triggered an investigation."
"The teacher noticed signs of abuse and told the school's safeguarding officer."
2
The wrong or harmful use of something, such as power, drugs, or a position of trust.
"The senator was accused of abuse of power."
"Long-term drug abuse can seriously damage a person's health and relationships."
"The report described an abuse of trust by a senior manager."
verb
1
To treat someone cruelly or violently.
"He was accused of abusing his position to intimidate staff."
"It is illegal to abuse a child in any way."
"No one should ever abuse an animal that depends on them for care."
2
To use something improperly or excessively, especially drugs or alcohol.
"She began to abuse painkillers after her surgery."
"Some athletes abuse steroids to build muscle faster."
"He was warned not to abuse alcohol while taking the medicine."
How to use abuse
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHarmful or improper treatment of a person, or the wrongful use of something like power or drugs.
Common pairings
domestic abuse
substance abuse
abuse of power
verbal abuse
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Word forms
- Plural
- abuses
- Third person singular
- abuses
- Past tense
- abused
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The charity supports survivors of domestic _____.
Etymology
From Latin abusus, "misused," from ab- ("away") plus uti ("to use") — literally a "using away" or using something up wrongly.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for abuse
See all rhymes for 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.
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