# abuser

/əbˈjuzɝ/ (US) · /ɐbjˈuːsɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abuser
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a person who treats someone else in a cruel, violent, or unfair way. It can also describe someone who uses something, like a drug, in a way that is harmful.

For teachers: a person who treats another with cruelty or violence, especially on a regular or repeated basis. Also refers to an individual who uses a substance or system in an improper or harmful manner.

## Examples

- The victim finally spoke out against her abuser.
- Social workers are trained to identify signs of trauma in children who may be living with an abuser.
- The legal system must balance the protection of the vulnerable with the rights of the accused when investigating a suspected abuser within a domestic setting.

## Usage notes

- Commonly modified by the type of harm, such as 'child abuser' or 'substance abuser'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.