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
From the M-W Editors
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.
Recent Examples of abuse from the Web
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In his arrest order Wednesday, Salman urged Saudis to report other possible cases of abuse of power to authorities.
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Her brother, Will Nevin, said his sister suffered from mental illness and substance abuse.
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Bo, who was touted at the time as a potential future leader, is now serving a life sentence in prison for graft and abuse of power.
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Since the nationwide protests in 2014 over police shootings and abuse, the commission has been seeking yet more fundamental change.
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An adaptation of the semi-autobiographical Patrick Melrose books by Edward St. Aubyn, Melrose will center around Cumberbatch's character, an aristocrat and playboy who struggles with substance abuse.
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The heroin epidemic is getting worse, not better in Will County, according to the county's director of substance abuse initiatives.
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The outside panel was formed in 2012 to review all cases of child deaths or severe injuries where abuse or neglect is suspected.
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Khadr's lawyers filed a $20 million wrongful imprisonment lawsuit against the Canadian government, arguing the government violated international law by not protecting its own citizen and conspired with the U.S. in its abuse of Khadr.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'abuse.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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.
Recent Examples of abuse from the Web
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Over the weekend, audio of Jack Gilinsky verbally abusing his ex-girlfriend Madison Beer leaked on Twitter.
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Vestager also warned that the promotion of Google Shopping may not be the only way in which Google is abusing search to promote its other specialized search services, including images and local travel.
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Liskovec regularly takes in sick, abused and neglected animals.
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Cases against traffickers are frustratingly complex to prove, according to prosecutors who must rely on the testimony of victims who have already been exploited and abused and whose credibility is certain to be questioned by defense attorneys.
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Some [babies] are abused, have medical issues, have been in a car accident.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'abuse.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of abuse
Middle English abusen, borrowed from Anglo-French abuser, verbal derivative of abuse 1abuse
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
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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
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