abuse
n. · v.-
1 cruel treatment (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatecruel or violent treatment of a person or animal.
the physical, emotional, or sexual maltreatment of a person or animal. Uncountable in a general sense but often countable when referring to specific instances.
ExampleThe charity works to protect children from physical and emotional abuse.
ExampleThe investigation uncovered a systemic pattern of abuse within the institution that had been ignored by management for decades.
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2 misuse of something (n.) B2 Upper Intermediateusing something in a wrong or harmful way, like power or drugs.
the improper or excessive use of something, particularly substances or positions of authority.
ExampleThe reporter exposed the politician's abuse of power during the election.
ExamplePublic health initiatives are focusing on the long-term effects of substance abuse in rural communities.
- proper use
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3 insulting words (n.) C1 Advanced Formalrude, angry, or insulting words said to someone.
offensive, insulting, or vilifying language directed at a person. Usually uncountable.
ExampleThe referee had to stop the game because of the verbal abuse from the fans.
ExampleThe witness described a torrent of racial abuse directed at the shopkeeper during the confrontation.
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4 to treat cruelly (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateto treat a person or animal in a cruel or violent way.
to subject a person or animal to physical or emotional harm. Transitive verb requiring a direct object.
ExampleHe was arrested after neighbours reported that he was abusing his dog.
ExampleThe regime was accused of abusing political prisoners to extract confessions before their trials.
- mistreat
- harm
- ill treat
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5 to misuse (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateto use something wrongly or too much, especially for your own advantage.
to use something improperly or for a wrong purpose; to exploit a privilege or substance.
ExampleYou should not abuse the trust your manager has placed in you.
ExampleThe company was fined for abusing its dominant market position to crush smaller competitors.
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6 to insult (v.) C1 Advanced Formalto speak to someone in a very rude or insulting way.
to attack someone verbally with offensive or disparaging language.
ExampleThe angry customer began to abuse the staff when they refused his refund.
ExampleThe protesters were seen abusing passers-by who refused to join their demonstration.
From Middle English abusen, then from either Old French abus (“improper use”), or from Latin abūsus (“misused, using up”), perfect active participle of abūtor (“make improper use of, consume, abuse”), from ab (“away”) + ūtor (“to use”). Equivalent to ab- + use.
From Middle English abusen, from Middle French abuser, from Latin abūsus (“misused, using up”), perfect active participle of abūtor (“to use up, misuse, consume”), from ab (“from, away from”) + ūtor (“to use”).