abuse

²abuse

verb \ə-ˈbyüz\

abusedabus·ing

Definition of ABUSE

transitive verb

1

a : to put to a wrong or improper use <abuse a privilege> b : to use excessively <abuse alcohol>; also : to use without medical justification <abusing painkillers>

2

obsolete : deceive

3

: to use so as to injure or damage : maltreat

4

: to attack in words : revile

— abus·able \-ˈbyü-zə-bəl\ adjective

— abus·er noun

Examples of ABUSE

1. He was accused of sexually abusing a child.
2. He abused his body with years of heavy drinking.
3. He had abused his first car by not taking care of it.
4. She abused her friend's trust.
5. a senator who abuses his power
6. He abused my confidence by letting this secret be known.

First Known Use of ABUSE

15th century

Related to ABUSE

Synonyms: brutalize, bully, ill-treat, ill-use, kick around, maltreat, manhandle, mess over [slang], mishandle, mistreat, misuse, take apart

Related Words: molest, outrage, violate; harass, harm, hurt, injure, oppress, persecute, torment, torture; burn, sandbag, victimize, wrong; beat (up), mess (up), rough (up), work (over)

Near Antonyms: care (for), cherish, foster, nurture; baby, cater (to), coddle, favor, gratify, humor, indulge, mollycoddle, pamper, spoil

see all synonyms and antonyms

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