Abuse - definition, pronunciation, transcription

*
Amer.  |əˈbjuːs|  American pronunciation of the word abuse
Brit.  |əˈbjuːs|  British pronunciation of the word abuse

noun

- cruel or inhumane treatment (syn: ill-treatment, maltreatment)
the child showed signs of physical abuse
- a rude expression intended to offend or hurt (syn: contumely, insult, vilification)
when a student made a stupid mistake he spared them no abuse
- improper or excessive use (syn: misuse)
alcohol abuse
the abuse of public funds

verb

- treat badly (syn: ill-treat, ill-use, maltreat, mistreat, step)
This boss abuses his workers
- change the inherent purpose or function of something (syn: misuse, pervert)
Don't abuse the system
- use foul or abusive language towards (syn: blackguard, clapperclaw, shout)
The actress abused the policeman who gave her a parking ticket
- use wrongly or improperly or excessively
Her husband often abuses alcohol
while she was pregnant, she abused drugs

Extra examples

He subjected his wife to physical and emotional abuse.

She was subjected to every term of abuse her boss could think of.

The prisoner hurled abuse at the judge.

He was accused of sexually abusing a child.

He abused his body with years of heavy drinking.

He had abused his first car by not taking care of it.

She abused her friend's trust.

He abused my confidence by letting this secret be known.

She took a lot of abuse from him.

This car has taken a lot of abuse.

It is the characteristic of the English drunkard to abuse his wife and family.

Many children suffer racial abuse at school.

An independent committee will look into alleged human rights abuses.

A self-monitoring tax system is clearly open to abuse (=able to be used wrongly).

She was sexually abused as a child.

Word forms

verb
I/you/we/they: abuse
he/she/it: abuses
present participle: abusing
past tense: abused
past participle: abused
noun
singular: abuse
plural: abuses
Current translation version is made automatically. You can suggest your own version. Changes will take effect after the administrator approves them.
Original text in English:
Our translation to English:
Community translations to English:
    This feature is allowed to authorized users only.
    Please, register on our website at registration page. After registration you can log in and use that feature.
    Registration   Login   Home  
    ×