abuse
abuse Lexical Profile
abuse Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The improper, unethical, or excessive use of a privilege, power, substance, or resource.
"The independent committee investigated allegations of an abuse of authority within the department."
Cruel, harmful, or violent treatment of a person or animal.
"Animal welfare organizations work tirelessly to rescue pets from neglect and abuse."
Insulting, offensive, or coarse language directed at someone.
"The referee warned the players that verbal abuse toward officials would result in immediate disqualification."
• verb
To use something for a wrong, improper, or harmful purpose.
"A public official must never abuse the trust placed in them by the community."
To treat a person or animal with cruelty, neglect, or violence.
"Strict laws are in place to prosecute anyone who chooses to abuse helpless animals."
To speak to someone in an insulting, offensive, or demeaning manner.
"Disgruntled spectators began to openly abuse the umpire after the controversial call."
Word Nuance & Usage
The word is a heteronym: as a noun, the final consonant is pronounced with a voiceless 's' sound (/əˈbjuːs/), whereas as a verb it is pronounced with a voiced 'z' sound (/əˈbjuːz/).
• Rhymes for abuse
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 15th century from Middle French 'abuser', from Latin 'abusus', past participle of 'abuti' ('to use up, misuse'), formed from 'ab-' ('away from') and 'uti' ('to use').