1 abuse
Pronounced:
/əˈbju:z/
Function:
verbInflected forms:
abus·es; abused; abus·ingMeaning:
[+ obj] 1 : to treat (a person or animal) in a harsh or harmful way ▪ He abused [=mistreated] his wife both mentally and physically. ▪ abuse a dog ▪ He was accused of sexually/physically/psychologically abusing a child.
2 : to use or treat (something) in a way that causes damage ▪ He abused his body with years of heavy drinking. ▪ He had abused his first car by not taking care of it.
3 : to use (something) wrongly ▪ abuse [=misuse] a privilege ▪ She abused her friend's trust. ▪ a senator who abuses his power ▪ He abused my confidence by letting this secret be known.
4 : to use too much of (a drug, alcohol, etc.) ▪ a drug that is abused by many people ▪ He was known to abuse alcohol.
5 : to attack (someone) in words ▪ The fans were verbally abusing the referee.
2 : to use or treat (something) in a way that causes damage ▪ He abused his body with years of heavy drinking. ▪ He had abused his first car by not taking care of it.
3 : to use (something) wrongly ▪ abuse [=misuse] a privilege ▪ She abused her friend's trust. ▪ a senator who abuses his power ▪ He abused my confidence by letting this secret be known.
4 : to use too much of (a drug, alcohol, etc.) ▪ a drug that is abused by many people ▪ He was known to abuse alcohol.
5 : to attack (someone) in words ▪ The fans were verbally abusing the referee.
—abused adjective ▪ providing help for abused children/women
—abus·er noun plural abus·ers [count] ▪ a child abuser ▪ officeholders who are abusers of privilege ▪ alcohol/cocaine/drug/substance abusers