abuse
3 ENTRIES FOUND:
abuses;
abused;
abusing
abuses;
abused;
abusing
Britannica Dictionary definition of ABUSE
[+ object]
1
:
to treat (a person or animal) in a harsh or harmful way
-
He abused [=mistreated] his wife both mentally and physically.
-
abuse a dog
-
He was accused of sexually/physically/psychologically abusing a child.
2
:
to use or treat (something) in a way that causes damage
-
He abused his body with years of heavy drinking.
-
He had abused his first car by not taking care of it.
3
:
to use (something) wrongly
-
abuse [=misuse] a privilege
-
She abused her friend's trust.
-
a senator who abuses his power
-
He abused my confidence by letting this secret be known.
4
:
to use too much of (a drug, alcohol, etc.)
-
a drug that is abused by many people
-
He was known to abuse alcohol.
5
:
to attack (someone) in words
-
The fans were verbally abusing the referee.
— abused
adjective-
providing help for abused children/women
— abuser
noun, plural abusers [count]-
a child abuser
-
officeholders who are abusers of privilege
-
alcohol/cocaine/drug/substance abusers
plural
abuses
plural
abuses
Britannica Dictionary definition of ABUSE
1
:
the act or practice of abusing someone or something: such as
a
:
harmful treatment of a person or animal
[noncount]
-
He subjected his wife to physical and emotional abuse.
-
child abuse
-
sexual abuse
[plural]
-
The government has been accused of human rights abuses. [=of violating the basic rights of people by treating them wrongly]
b
[noncount]
:
the use or treatment of something in a way that causes damage
-
his abuse [=mistreatment] of his body through poor eating habits
-
These toys can stand up to a lot of abuse. [=can be handled roughly without being damaged]
c
:
the act or practice of using something wrongly
[noncount]
-
the governor's abuse [=misuse] of his power/privileges
[count]
-
the buying of votes and other election abuses
d
[noncount]
:
the act or practice of using too much of a drug, alcohol, etc.
-
abuse of alcohol
-
drug/substance abuse
2
[noncount]
:
harsh and insulting language
-
She was subjected to every term of abuse her boss could think of.
-
a torrent/stream of verbal abuse
-
The prisoner hurled/shouted/screamed abuse at the judge.
