abuse
noun (countable)
UKəˈbjuːsUSəˈbjuːs
the improper or harmful use of something or treatment of someone, often resulting in damage or injury
Example Sentences
Child abuse is a serious crime that can have long-term psychological effects on victims.
Drug abuse can lead to severe health complications and social problems.
Many organizations exist to combat domestic abuse and provide support to survivors.
Verbal abuse can be as damaging as physical violence, leaving deep emotional scars.
He suffered years of emotional abuse before finally seeking help.
Abuse of public funds undermines trust in government institutions.
Reports of online abuse, including cyberbullying, have surged in recent years, prompting calls for stricter regulations.
Animal abuse is condemned worldwide as an inhumane act, leading to stiff penalties in many countries.
Thesaurus
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Antonyms
verb (transitive)
UKəˈbjuːzUSəˈbjuːz
to use or treat something or someone improperly or harmfully; to speak insultingly or harshly to or about someone
Example Sentences
He abused his position of power by taking bribes and acting unlawfully.
They were warned not to abuse the company’s resources.
She was charged with abusing her authority, leading to a thorough investigation.
It is morally wrong to abuse animals, regardless of circumstance.
If you abuse the trust people place in you, it can take a long time to repair that damage.
Yelling at someone is a way of verbally abusing them, which can leave lasting emotional harm.
Some politicians have been known to abuse their privileges, sparking public outrage that can lead to large-scale reforms.
Should anyone attempt to abuse the new policy, the government vowed to impose strict penalties as a deterrent.
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How to Use
Harmful misuse or mistreatment causing physical, emotional, or psychological harm.Understanding the Term "Abuse"
"Abuse" can function both as a verb and a noun, referring to harmful or wrong treatment, whether directed at a person, substance, or resource.
As a Verb
To abuse someone means to treat them cruelly—physically, verbally, or emotionally. In substance-related contexts, it indicates harmful overuse or misuse, as in "to abuse drugs."
As a Noun
As a noun, "abuse" describes the ill treatment itself, such as "child abuse," "verbal abuse," or "power abuse."
Forms of Abuse
- Physical: Hitting, kicking, or other forms of physical harm.
- Emotional: Manipulation, humiliation, or psychological harm.
- Verbal: Insults, threats, or harmful language.
- Sexual: Non-consensual acts or exploitation.
- Substance: Misuse of drugs, alcohol, or other substances leading to harm.
Contexts and Usage
In professional or legal writing, "abuse" carries substantial weight, often implying a systematic or ongoing pattern of damaging behavior. Common contexts include discussions of interpersonal violence, workplace harassment, or the misuse of authority, such as "abusing power." In these instances, the term underscores the severity of actions or behaviors that deviate from ethical or respectful standards.
Connotations and Implications
In all cases, "abuse" implies a breach of trust or an exploitation of vulnerability. It suggests more than a single negative act—it indicates a willful, repeated, or knowing mistreatment. To highlight scale or repetition, you might use terms like "systematic abuse," "ongoing abuse," or "severe abuse."
Key Considerations
- Use "abuse" carefully to maintain clarity and sensitivity, especially when addressing traumatic or criminal scenarios.
- Understanding the nature of the harm—whether mental, physical, social, or legal—is vital for accurate and appropriate usage.
By choosing the term "abuse," you flag the seriousness of the offense and its implications, ensuring the gravity of the situation is communicated effectively.
Alternatives
When seeking synonyms or related words for “abuse,” consider the context. If you aim to underscore harsh or violent treatment, “mistreat,” “harm,” or “molest” (for sexual contexts) may be suitable. To describe severe verbal attacks, “insult,” “revile,” or “vilify” carry a similar tone. If you want to highlight misapplication or misuse, terms like “exploit,” “misuse,” or “misapply” can help clarify that the focus is on using something in a way that’s harmful or ethically wrong.“Oppress” or “persecute” might be apt for situations involving sustained, systemic harm, especially by those in power. Meanwhile, “torment” underscores an ongoing infliction of suffering and may suit particularly cruel scenarios. In less severe contexts—such as mild teasing or harsh criticism—you could opt for “harass” or “berate,” though these typically lack the strong implication of severe or systematic harm. Each choice carries its own emotional and social weight. By choosing carefully among these synonyms, you can convey precisely the degree of severity, intent, and context surrounding the ill treatment or misuse.
Writing
In more formal writing, “abuse” carries weight and should be used with precision. Whether discussing physical harm, psychological damage, or improper use of power, specify the form of abuse to provide clarity. Definitions, statistics, or case studies often support your argument or thesis, especially in academic or journalistic contexts.When describing abuse, consider the scope—does it involve individuals (as in domestic violence), institutions (workplace abuse), or wider social structures (systemic harassment)? Consistency in your terminology ensures your readers stay focused on the core issue without confusion. Be mindful of the emotional implications: abuse can be a distressing subject, so balancing factual accuracy with compassion for affected individuals is crucial. Cite reputable sources where possible, especially if you’re referencing laws, policies, or psychological research. The gravity of the word “abuse” means that using it carelessly can dilute its power or risk misrepresenting the seriousness of an incident. By approaching “abuse” thoughtfully, you maintain credibility and show respect for those impacted.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “abuse” generally refers to any sort of harmful mistreatment—like calling someone names repeatedly, hitting someone, or exploiting substances in a harmful manner. People might say things like “He abuses his authority at work” or “That’s emotional abuse,” to point out ongoing harm or manipulation. Remember, it’s a strong word, so applying it too loosely can undermine genuine issues.If you hear someone talk about abuse, it usually signals something serious or damaging—physically, emotionally, or psychologically. Friends might use the word to highlight worrisome behavior in relationships or mention that a boss is “abusing” staff members by overworking them without proper pay. Because the term can evoke emotional responses, it’s best to use it carefully and precisely, ensuring you don’t dismiss or trivialize genuine harm. In casual settings, if you suspect actual harm, a supportive or empathetic approach often goes a long way, as the word “abuse” can carry deep personal weight for those who’ve experienced it firsthand.
Etymology
The term “abuse” traces back to the Middle English “abusen,” borrowed from Old French “abuser” (to misuse, deceive), which in turn comes from the Latin “abūsus,” the past participle of “abūti,” meaning “to use up” or “misuse.” Historically, this sense of misuse or wrong application evolved into the broader meanings of ill treatment or harmful conduct.Over time, “abuse” gained prominence in various contexts—legal, social, and personal—encompassing physical, emotional, and verbal harm. The word also found its way into discussions of power dynamics, illustrating how authority can be “abused” when exercised unjustly. The gravity of the term grew as societies recognized and legislated against various forms of mistreatment, from domestic violence to substance abuse. Its linguistic roots highlight the core idea of misusing or corrupting something or someone, aligning closely with how the word is employed today to denote damaging actions or exploitation.