Definition of abuse
1 : a corrupt practice or custom the buying of votes and other election abuses
2 : improper or excessive use or treatment : misuse drug abuse
3 : language that condemns or vilifies usually unjustly, intemperately, and angrily verbal abuse a term of abuse
4 : physical maltreatment child abuse sexual abuse
5 obsolete : a deceitful act : deception
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Examples of abuse in a Sentence
He subjected his wife to physical and emotional abuse.
the buying of votes and other election abuses
She was subjected to every term of abuse her boss could think of.
a torrent of verbal abuse
The prisoner hurled abuse at the judge.
Synonym Discussion of abuse
Definition of abuse
abused
;abusing
transitive verb
1a : to put to a wrong or improper use abuse a privilegeb : to use excessively abuse alcohol; also : to use without medical justification abusing painkillers
2 : to use or treat so as to injure or damage : maltreat abused his wife
3 : to attack in words : revile verbally abused the referee
4 obsolete : deceive
abuser
nounExamples of abuse in a Sentence
He was accused of sexually abusing a child.
He abused his body with years of heavy drinking.
He had abused his first car by not taking care of it.
She abused her friend's trust.
a senator who abuses his power
He abused my confidence by letting this secret be known.
Origin and Etymology of abuse
Middle English abusen, borrowed from Anglo-French abuser, verbal derivative of abuse 1abuse
First Known Use: 15th century
ABUSE Defined for Kids
Definition of abuse for Students
1 : wrong or unfair treatment or use abuse of power
2 : the act or practice of improperly using or of using in harmful amounts drug abuse
3 : harmful treatment of a person or an animal
4 : harsh insulting language “Never a kind word for old Templeton, only abuse and wisecracks …” — E. B. White, Charlotte's Web
5 : a dishonest practice election abuses
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of abuse
abused
;abusing
1: to use excessively abuse alcohol; also : to use without medical justification abusing painkillers
2: to treat so as to injure or damage abuse a child
3a: masturbateb: to subject to abuse and especially to rape or indecent assault
abuser
nounLaw Dictionary
Legal Definition of abuse
abused
abusing
1 : to put to a use other than the one intended: as a : to put to a bad or unfair use abusing the powers of office b : to put to improper or excessive use abuse narcotics
2a : to inflict physical or emotional mistreatment or injury on (as one's child) purposely or through negligence or neglect and often on a regular basis b : to engage in sexual activity with (a child under an age specified by statute)
3 : to attack harshly with words abuse a police officer abuse a debtor
abuser
nounLegal Definition of abuse
1 : improper, unfair, or excessive use abuse of authority drug abuse
2a : the infliction of physical or emotional injury; also : the crime of inflicting such injury — see also battered child syndrome, battered woman's syndrome — compare cruelty, neglect b : sexual abuse
3 : a verbal attack (as on a police officer in the performance of his or her duty); also : the crime of making such an attack
Learn More about abuse
-
See words that rhyme with abuse Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for abuse Spanish Central: Translation of abuse Nglish: Translation of abuse for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of abuse for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up abuse? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!