abuse
/əˈbjuːz/ (bre, ipa) · /əˈbjuːz/ (ame, ipa) · /ə-ˈbyüs/ (ame, mw) · /əˈbjuːs/ (bre, ipa) · /əˈbjuːs/ (ame, ipa)
abuse — verb
1. to use something such as power, money, medicine, or information in an unfair, da
to use something such as power, money, medicine, or information in an unfair, dangerous, or dishonest way
The coach abused his power by cutting players who questioned him.
abuse + power
Rina abused the pain pills and soon stopped sleeping well.
abuse + medicine/drugs
The company abused staff members' private data for extra sales.
The senator was accused of abusing public money during the trip.
The mayor abused an emergency law to block the local newspaper.
- misuse
close in meaning; focuses on using something incorrectly or for the wrong purpose
- exploit
stresses taking unfair advantage, especially of people or a situation
- overuse
focuses on using too much, not necessarily dishonestly
- misapply
more formal; often used for rules, ideas, or money put to the wrong use
文法句型
abuse something
abuse power/money/drugs
用法筆記
The object in this sense is usually a thing, right, position, or substance, not a person. Common objects include power, authority, alcohol, drugs, data, and public money.
常見錯誤
2. to harm a person or animal by treating them in a cruel, violent, or controlling
to harm a person or animal by treating them in a cruel, violent, or controlling way
The stepfather abused the boy for years behind the locked door.
abuse + person
The owner abused the dogs, so police removed them that night.
abuse + animal
Her ex-husband abused her with threats as well as fists.
Two sisters were abused by their uncle in the flat above the shop.
The coach abused young athletes emotionally until parents complained.
文法句型
abuse someone
abuse an animal
用法筆記
Usually takes a human or animal object and often appears with words like 'physically', 'sexually', or 'emotionally'. Distinguish from sense 3: this sense covers wider cruel treatment, not only insulting speech.
常見錯誤
3. to say very rude and angry things directly to someone
to say very rude and angry things directly to someone
A man on the bus abused the driver after missing his stop.
abuse + person in anger
Fans abused the referee online after the final match.
abuse someone online
Mei was abused on the bus after asking a stranger to lower his music.
Outside the court, protesters abused reporters who asked simple questions.
The host abused his guest on live radio and lost sponsors.
文法句型
abuse someone
abuse someone online
用法筆記
This sense is about words alone and often appears with 'verbally' or 'online'. If the harm includes hitting, threats, or wider control, sense 2 is more accurate.
常見錯誤
abuse — noun
1. the unfair or harmful use of something such as power, medicine, or public money
the unfair or harmful use of something such as power, medicine, or public money
The report exposed years of abuse of public funds in the town office.
abuse of + public funds
Doctors warn that long-term abuse of sleeping pills can damage memory.
abuse of + medicine
New rules were meant to stop abuse of patient records at the clinic.
Voters were angry about the minister's abuse of emergency powers.
The inquiry found abuse of school rules to admit the mayor's nephew.
- misuse
close in meaning; often the best simple substitute
- exploitation
stresses unfair advantage, especially of a system or resource
- overuse
focuses on excess rather than dishonesty
- misapplication
formal; common for money, law, or ideas used wrongly
- proper use
using something in the intended or fair way
- protection
keeping people or resources safe instead of harming them through use
文法句型
abuse of [power/money/drugs]
用法筆記
Very often appears in the pattern 'abuse of + noun', especially with power, authority, alcohol, drugs, and public money. Distinguish from noun sense 2: this sense is about the thing being misused, not mainly about the person being harmed.
常見錯誤
2. cruel treatment that hurts or controls a person through violence, fear, or repea
cruel treatment that hurts or controls a person through violence, fear, or repeated pressure
The shelter gives free legal help to women escaping abuse.
escape abuse
Years of emotional abuse made Ken afraid to speak at home.
emotional abuse
The teacher reported signs of child abuse after seeing fresh bruises.
After the trial, the singer spoke publicly about the abuse she suffered.
Inspectors found evidence of animal abuse on the small farm.
- maltreatment
formal general word for cruel treatment
- mistreatment
close in meaning and slightly more everyday
- cruelty
focuses on deliberate unkindness
- violence
narrower; focuses on physical force rather than all forms of abuse
- protection
keeping someone safe from harm
- care
kind attention to another person's needs
文法句型
child abuse
abuse of [child/partner/animal]
suffer abuse
用法筆記
Usually uncountable in general statements, but specific types are often named with modifiers such as 'child', 'domestic', 'sexual', 'emotional', or 'animal'. Distinguish from noun sense 3: that sense is about insulting words, while this one covers broader harmful treatment.
常見錯誤
3. very offensive words aimed at another person, usually in anger
very offensive words aimed at another person, usually in anger
The player walked off after a fan shouted abuse from the stands.
shout abuse
Teachers on TikTok received racist abuse after the classroom video spread.
receive abuse
Before the encore, the guard warned fans that more abuse would stop the show.
During the call, the customer hurled abuse at the young clerk.
Rosa quit the call center after months of abuse from late-night callers.
- insults
the most general everyday word
- verbal attack
stresses direct hostile speech
- invective
formal; strong angry language
- slurs
specifically insulting words aimed at a group or identity
文法句型
shout abuse at [person]
hurl abuse at [person]
receive abuse
用法筆記
Usually uncountable and common after verbs like 'shout', 'hurl', and 'receive'. Distinguish from noun sense 2: this sense is about hostile words, not physical or controlling behaviour.