: subjected to harmful or improper treatment : having suffered abuse
providing support for abused children/women

Examples of abused in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Neuroscientists have found that an abused child’s brain will not mature as easily. The Marshall Project, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 July 2025 His wife convinced him there would be no better home for this abused infant than theirs. Scott Craven, AZCentral.com, 10 July 2025 Smith said that choking or strangulation in a domestic violence relationship vastly increases the risk of homicide for the abused. Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 The abused partner may then feel hopeful and so agree to forgive their abuser. Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for abused

Word History

First Known Use

1550, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of abused was in 1550

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Cite this Entry

“Abused.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abused. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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