abuse

I UK [əˈbjuːs] / US [əˈbjus] noun
Word forms "abuse":
singular abuse plural abuses
**

1)

a) [countable/uncountable] cruel, violent, or unfair treatment, especially of someone who does not have the power to prevent it

The regime had been responsible for serious human rights abuses.

abuse of:

Physical abuse and neglect of children is too common.

b) [uncountable] forced sexual activity with someone who cannot prevent it

Several female students have made allegations of abuse against him.

2)

a) [countable/uncountable] the use of something in a bad, dishonest, or harmful way

price-fixing agreements and other abuses by large corporations

abuse of power/privilege/position:

This is clearly an abuse of power.

open to abuse (= capable of being abused):

All polling methods are potentially open to abuse.

b) [uncountable] the use of alcohol or illegal drugs in a way that is harmful to your health

alcohol/drug/substance abuse

3) [uncountable] angry offensive comments

shout/scream/hurl abuse:

Blake was alleged to have hurled racist abuse at a student.

II UK [əˈbjuːz] / US [əˈbjuz] verb [transitive]
Word forms "abuse":
present tense I/you/we/they abuse he/she/it abuses present participle abusing past tense abused past participle abused
*

1)

a) to treat someone in a cruel or violent way

Prisoners were regularly abused by their guards.

b) to have sex with someone who is unable to refuse

A high percentage of abusive parents were themselves abused as children.

2)

a) to use something in a bad, dishonest, or harmful way

They were accused of abusing their power to keep prices artificially high.

Those with access to private information must not abuse that trust.

b) to use alcohol or illegal drugs in a way that is harmful to your health

3) to speak to someone in an angry, offensive way

He was fined £10,000 for verbally abusing the umpire.

Derived word:
abuser
noun countable
Word forms "abuser":
singular abuser plural abusers