: 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.
This trashy horror-thriller centers on an abused boy (Max Thieriot) who grows up to wreak havoc on a suburban town and the teenager (Lawrence) who cares about him. Tim Grierson, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2025 His organization mobilizes to rescue large numbers of abused animals from horrific conditions and give them a new start in life. CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025 Shelters aren’t just full of abused or difficult dogs. Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025 At this point, The Boys has evolved into a series whose former lead, Hughie, is an abused, sidelined character, whereas Marie Moreau has that role in a way that feels more coherent. Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 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 21 Nov. 2025.

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