Abuse | Mean of abuse in English Dictionary

/əˈbjuːz/

• Verb
• to treat (a person or animal) in a harsh or harmful way
1. He abused [=mistreated] his wife both mentally and physically.
2. abuse a dog
3. He was accused of sexually/physically/psychologically abusing a child.
• to use or treat (something) in a way that causes damage
1. He abused his body with years of heavy drinking.
2. He had abused his first car by not taking care of it.
• to use (something) wrongly
1. abuse [=misuse] a privilege
2. She abused her friend's trust.
3. a senator who abuses his power
4. He abused my confidence by letting this secret be known.

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