0 past simple and past participle of abuse
1 to use something for the wrong purpose in a way that is harmful or morally wrong:
2 to treat someone cruelly or violently:
Several of the children had been sexually/physically/emotionally abused.
If you abuse your body now, you'll pay the price when you're older.
The Mayor and his cohorts have abused their positions of power.
In a landmark case/decision, the Governor pardoned a woman convicted of killing her husband, who had physically abused her.
People who have been abused as children often experience feelings/a sense of worthlessness.
The minister was sacked for abusing power for his personal gain.
