1 : the act or practice of abusing someone or something: such as a : harmful treatment of a person or animal [noncount] ▪ He subjected his wife to physical and emotional abuse. ▪ child abuse ▪ sexual abuse [plural] ▪ The government has been accused of human rights abuses. [=of violating the basic rights of people by treating them wrongly]
b [noncount] : the use or treatment of something in a way that causes damage
▪ his abuse [=mistreatment] of his body through poor eating habits ▪ These toys can stand up to a lot of abuse. [=can be handled roughly without being damaged]
c : the act or practice of using something wrongly [noncount] ▪ the governor's abuse [=misuse] of his power/privileges [count] ▪ the buying of votes and other election abuses
d [noncount] : the act or practice of using too much of a drug, alcohol, etc.
▪ abuse of alcohol ▪ drug/substance abuse 2 [noncount] : harsh and insulting language
▪ She was subjected to every term of abuse her boss could think of. ▪ a torrent/stream of verbal abuse ▪ The prisoner hurled/shouted/screamed abuse at the judge.