Definition of abuse - Reverso English Dictionary
Verb
1.
insult verballyspeak to someone in an insulting and offensive way
- He was fined for abusing the referee during the match..
2.
misuseuse something to bad effect or for a bad purpose
- They abuse their powers to intimidate others..
3.
mistreattreat with cruelty or violence
- The animals were abused without any remorse..
Noun
1.
maltreatmentcruel or violent treatment of a person
- The child suffered from abuse at home.
2.
verbal attackinsulting and offensive language
- He faced verbal abuse from the crowd during his speech..
3.
misuseimproper use or treatment of something
- The abuse of power by officials is concerning..
4.
sexual harmsexual violation or rape
- The survivor bravely spoke about the abuse.
Expressions with abuse
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series of abusive remarks directed at someone
He faced a volley of abuse from the angry crowd.
intense verbal criticism or insults directed at someone
The politician faced a storm of abuse after the scandal.
utilize something excessively or improperly
He tends to use and abuse his authority.
large amount of verbal attacks directed at someone
She faced a torrent of abuse after the announcement.
use drugs in a harmful or illegal way
He started to abuse drugs in college.
pattern of non-physical behaviors that harm another person's emotional well-being
The counselor helped her recognize the signs of emotional abuse in her relationship.
easily used in a wrong or harmful way
This policy is open to abuse by dishonest people.
harmful use of physical force against a person or animal causing pain or injury
The teacher was fired after allegations of physical abuse toward several students.
misuse of drugs or alcohol causing harm or problems
Substance abuse can lead to serious health issues.
repeated harmful behavior that damages another person's thoughts or emotional health
She spoke about the mental abuse she suffered in that relationship.
pattern of actions that harm another person's mind or feelings
Psychological abuse left him anxious and afraid of making any decision.
illegal sexual behavior causing harm or distress
The organization helps victims of sex abuse.
mistreatment of a child by an adult or guardian
Child abuse can have long-lasting psychological effects.
shout insults at someone in anger
During the argument, he hurled abuse at his opponent.
exchange insults or offensive words with each other
During the argument, they hurled abuse at each other.
exploitation of someone's difficult situation
The charity was criticized for abuse of distress by taking advantage of the victims.
list of people who hurt children
The child's name was added to the child abuse register.
forcing someone into sexual acts for another's benefit
He was arrested after reports of sexual abuse during the assault.
harmful treatment of a husband or wife by the other partner
The counselor talked with them about past spousal abuse in their marriage.
misuse of technology to harm or control others
Tech abuse can include tracking someone's location without consent.
misuse of one's authority in decision-making
The manager was fired for abuse of discretion in handling company funds.
mistreatment involving repeated ceremonies or symbolic acts
The police investigated claims of ritual abuse at the school.
breathing in solvent fumes to get high or for misuse
Solvent abuse can cause serious health problems.
physical or verbal harm inflicted on oneself
He struggled with self-abuse during difficult times.
Origin of abuse
Latin, abusus (misuse)
Terms with abuse included in their meaning
💡 A powerful way to uncover related words, idioms, and expressions linked by the same idea — and explore meaning beyond exact word matches.
alcohol abuse
condition of consuming alcohol excessively and regularly
medical
issues related to drug addiction or abuse
abuse
one who abuses alcohol
family
violence or abuse happening between people in the same home
abuse
subjected to cruel treatment or abuse
abuse
cruel or abusive treatment causing harm
abuse
use something in a wrong or dishonest way
verbal abuse
use of offensive words to insult someone
emotional target
person who receives others' anger or abuse
email abuse
account used to send unsolicited messages
domestic violence
woman who has experienced repeated physical abuse
social issues
harmful abuse or threats between people related by family relationships
substance abuse
inhaling glue fumes to get high
substance abuse
related to inhaling glue fumes for recreation
disrupt speaker
interrupt a public speaker with aggressive comments or abuse
abuse
subject someone to hostility and ill-treatment
abuse
harmful acts of a sexual nature against someone
worker abuse
workers subjected to exploitative working conditions
criticism
verbal abuse or criticism
abuse
employment of children in work that is harmful to them
addiction
die as a result of chronic alcohol abuse
abuse
treat someone badly or cruelly
abuse
cruel or harmful treatment of a person or animal
welfare
neglect or abuse of a person or animal
Examples of abuse in a sentence
Do not abuse the staff under any circumstances. He would often abuse his authority. Some people abuse the system for personal gain. He would never abuse his power. They abused the system for personal gain. Abuse can have long-lasting effects on victims.
The organization helps survivors of abuse. The manager's abuse towards employees was unacceptable. Online abuse has become a serious issue. The abuse of resources must be stopped. She reported the abuse of the system to the authorities. The documentary highlighted the abuse in institutions. Victims of abuse often need support and counseling.
View all translations of abuse
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:insulter, mauvais traitements, ...
- German:beleidigen, Missbrauch, ...
- Italian:offendere, abusi, ...
- Spanish:insultar, abuso, ...
- Portuguese:ofender, maus-tratos, ...
- Chinese:侮辱, 不当使用, ...
- Japanese:罵る, 虐待, ...
- Arabic:شَتَمَ, إِسَاءَة, ...
- Hebrew:לְקַלֵּל, הִתְעַלְּלוּת, ...
- Russian:обижать, жестокое обращение, ...
- Ukrainian:ображати, жорстоке поводження, ...
- Hindi:गाली देना, दुर्व्यवहार, ...
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