abuse Definition
- 1the improper use of something, often to the detriment of the user
- 2cruel or violent treatment of a person or animal
- 3insulting language used to belittle or hurt someone
Using abuse: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "abuse" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Drug abuse can lead to serious health problems.
Example
She suffered years of physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her husband.
Example
He hurled abuse at the referee for making a bad call.
Example
The company was accused of abusing its power to dominate the market.
abuse Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using abuse
give someone abuse
to insult or criticize someone harshly
Example
He gave the customer service representative abuse over the phone.
take abuse
to endure insults or mistreatment without responding in kind
Example
She has a lot of patience and can take abuse from difficult customers.
abuse of power
the misuse of authority or influence for personal gain or to harm others
Example
The politician was accused of corruption and abuse of power.
Phrases with abuse
Example
The organization works to prevent child abuse and protect children from harm.
substance abuse
the excessive use of drugs or alcohol, often leading to addiction and negative consequences
Example
The rehab center provides treatment for individuals struggling with substance abuse.
verbal abuse
the use of words to hurt or manipulate someone, often through insults, threats, or humiliation
Example
She endured years of verbal abuse from her boss before quitting her job.
Origins of abuse
from Middle English 'abusen', from Old French 'abuser', from Latin 'abuti', meaning 'to misuse'
Summary: abuse in Brief
The term 'abuse' [əˈbjuːs] refers to the improper use of something, cruel or violent treatment of a person or animal, or insulting language used to belittle or hurt someone. It spans contexts from drug abuse to verbal abuse, exemplified by 'Drug abuse can lead to serious health problems.' 'Abuse' extends into phrases like 'child abuse,' and idioms like 'give someone abuse,' denoting harsh criticism, and 'abuse of power,' implying the misuse of authority.
