These are word's definitions related to abuse. Click on any word to go to its word's detail page. Or, go to the definition of abuse.
0 to use something for the wrong purpose in a way that is harmful or morally wrong:
1 to treat someone cruelly or violently:
Several of the children had been sexually/physically/emotionally abused.
3 the use of something in a way that is harmful or morally wrong:
an abuse (= wrong use) of privilege/power/someone's kindness
Drug and alcohol abuse (= using these substances in a bad way) contributed to his early death.
5 rude and offensive words said to another person:
He had apparently experienced a lot of verbal abuse from his co-workers.
He hurled (a stream/torrent of) abuse at her (= he said a lot of rude and offensive things to her).
"Idiot!" is a term of abuse (= an insulting expression).
6 bad or cruel treatment of a person or animal, or the use of something in an unsuitable or wrong way:
7 to treat a person or animal badly or cruelly, or to use something in the wrong way:
8 a situation in which a person uses something in a bad or wrong way, especially for their own advantage or pleasure:
The former president has been accused of corruption and abuse of power.
The politician employs his two sons to work in his office at taxpayers' expense, which critics say is an abuse of his position.
The CEO was fined for market abuse after encouraging his friends to buy shares before the takeover was announced publicly.
10 to use something in a bad or wrong way, especially for your own advantage or pleasure:
11 to use rude and offensive words to another person:
Striking workers abused colleagues who continued to go into work.