Abuse: meaning, definitions and examples

🚫

Add to dictionary

abuse

[ əˈbjuːs ]

Noun / Verb

^{Context #1 | Noun}

physical harm

The improper usage or treatment of an entity often to unfairly or improperly gain benefit. Abuse can come in many forms, such as physical, emotional, or verbal abuse.

Synonyms

cruelty, harassment, mistreatment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
abuse	refers to the improper or harmful use of something or treating someone with cruelty or violence. It can be used in different contexts such as physical, emotional, or substance abuse. The child suffered from years of abuse at home The company was criticized for the abuse of its workers
mistreatment	refers to treating someone or something badly, unfairly, or unkindly, without necessarily implying violence. The mistreatment of employees led to many resignations Stories of mistreatment of animals at the shelter surfaced online
cruelty	describes the act of causing suffering or pain to others intentionally, often in a severe or merciless manner. Animal cruelty is a serious crime She was shocked by his cruelty towards strangers
harassment	refers to aggressive pressure or intimidation often in the form of verbal or physical actions repeated over time. It is usually used in contexts involving workplace or social environments. She complained to HR about the harassment she faced from a colleague Online harassment has become a serious issue

Examples of usage

Domestic abuse can have long-lasting effects on the victim.
Child abuse is a serious issue that requires immediate attention.
She suffered abuse at the hands of her partner for years.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

misuse of power

The misuse of power or authority for harmful or unjust purposes. This can occur in various settings, such as in relationships, institutions, or workplaces.

Synonyms

exploitation, manipulation, oppression.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
abuse	Used to describe any situation where someone is treated in a harmful or cruel way. Can refer to physical, emotional, or verbal mistreatment and often carries a serious, negative connotation. She reported the abuse to the authorities. The animal showed signs of abuse.
exploitation	Refers to taking unfair advantage of someone, often for personal gain. It can happen in various settings such as work or relationships and typically implies manipulating someone's vulnerabilities. The exploitation of child labor is a serious issue. He was fired for the exploitation of his employees.
manipulation	Involves influencing or controlling someone or something to one's advantage, often in a cunning or deceptive manner. Has a negative nuance and is frequently used in emotional contexts. She realized she was a victim of emotional manipulation. The company's data manipulation practices were exposed.
oppression	Used to describe the systematic and prolonged cruel or unjust treatment, especially of a group of people. Typically related to social, economic, or political contexts. The regime has been criticized for its oppression of political dissidents. They fought against racial oppression.

Examples of usage

Political abuse of power can lead to corruption and injustice.
Abuse of authority in the workplace can create a toxic environment.
They accused him of abusing his position for personal gain.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

to mistreat

To treat someone with cruelty or violence, often resulting in physical or emotional harm. It can also refer to the misuse of something for harmful purposes.

Synonyms

exploit, harm, mistreat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
abuse	This is a duplicate entry, most likely a result of repetition. The word 'abuse' in this form would include the same context and examples as provided above. See above
mistreat	Indicates treating someone in a cruel or unkind way. Usually implies ongoing or repeated behavior that is harmful or unfair. The pets were mistreated and kept in poor conditions Employees complained about being mistreated by their manager
exploit	Refers to taking advantage of a situation or person for one's own benefit, often unfairly. Typically has a negative connotation, though it can be neutral in some contexts. He exploited his position to gain access to confidential information The company aims to exploit new market opportunities
harm	Used to describe physical, emotional, or psychological damage or injury. It is general and can refer to both intentional and unintentional damage. The accident caused significant harm to the passengers Spreading false rumors can harm someone's reputation

Examples of usage

She felt abused by her colleagues' constant criticism.
He was accused of abusing his power by taking advantage of vulnerable individuals.
The company was found to be abusing their monopoly in the market.

Translations

Translations of the word "abuse" in other languages:

🇵🇹 abuso

🇮🇳 दुरुपयोग

🇩🇪 Missbrauch

🇮🇩 penyalahgunaan

🇺🇦 зловживання

🇵🇱 nadużycie

🇯🇵 虐待 (ぎゃくたい)

🇫🇷 abus

🇪🇸 abuso

🇹🇷 istismar

🇰🇷 남용 (남용)

🇸🇦 إساءة

🇨🇿 zneužití

🇸🇰 zneužívanie

🇨🇳 滥用 (lànyòng)

🇸🇮 zloraba

🇮🇸 misnotkun

🇰🇿 қиянат

🇬🇪 ბოროტად გამოყენება

🇦🇿 sui-istifadə

🇲🇽 abuso

Etymology

The word 'abuse' originated from the Middle English word 'abusen', which came from the Old French 'abuser' meaning 'misuse, deceive'. It has been used in English since the 14th century. The concept of abuse has been recognized throughout history, with efforts to address and prevent various forms of abuse evolving over time.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,521, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

...
2518 grants
2519 kill
2520 inquiry
2521 abuse
2522 beam
2523 screen
2524 expenditures
...