abused

/əˈbjuːz/ (bre, ipa) · [əbjˈuzd] /əˈbjuːz/ (ame, ipa) · [əbjˈuzd] /ə-ˈbyüzd/ (ame, mw)

abused — verb

  • abusedpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • abuseds3rd person singular
  • abusedding-ing form
  • abuseddedpast simple

1. to use something such as power, information, or drugs in a harmful, dishonest, o

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to use something such as power, information, or drugs in a harmful, dishonest, or uncontrolled way.

例句

The minister abused emergency powers to silence local reporters.

abuse + power or authority

Some athletes abused painkillers before matches and damaged their health.

abuse + drugs or medicine

同義詞
  • misuse

    closest in meaning, but often less morally strong

  • exploit

    stresses taking unfair advantage for gain

  • manipulate

    focuses on controlling a system or information to get a result

反義詞
  • respect

    when the object is power or rules, act within proper limits

  • protect

    keep something safe instead of using it harmfully

文法句型

abuse + power/authority/money/data/drugs

用法筆記

The object is usually a thing, resource, or special power rather than a person. Distinguish from sense 2: sense 1 is about wrongful use of something you have access to or control over.

常見錯誤

❌She abused with her position to skip the line.
✅She abused her position to skip the line.
💡use a direct object after 'abuse'; do not add 'with'.
❌The coach abused the printer all week.
✅The coach overused the printer all week.
💡if the idea is simply using a thing too much, 'overuse' is often clearer than the stronger word 'abuse'.

2. to hurt or control a person or animal through violence, cruelty, or repeated har

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to hurt or control a person or animal through violence, cruelty, or repeated harmful treatment.

例句

Neighbors called police after hearing the man abuse his wife.

abuse + person in a domestic setting

The trainer was jailed for abusing horses during late-night practice.

同義詞
  • mistreat

    broad and direct for treating someone badly

  • maltreat

    formal and often used in reports or legal writing

  • brutalize

    stronger, stressing severe physical or emotional harm

反義詞
  • protect

    keep someone safe from harm

  • care for

    treat someone with attention and kindness

文法句型

abuse + person/animal/group

用法筆記

This sense often suggests serious or repeated harm, especially in homes, relationships, schools, or care settings. Distinguish from sense 3: sense 2 is not only about angry words but about cruel treatment itself.

常見錯誤

❌He abused the office computer by streaming movies.
✅He abused the office computer system by using it for personal streaming.
💡if the object is a thing, you are usually using sense 1, not this person-focused sense.
❌One rude joke means he abused his friend.
✅He insulted his friend with a rude joke.
💡this sense usually implies serious or repeated cruelty, not one isolated comment.

3. to shout at someone or attack them with rude, insulting words.

3.動詞及物C1
釋義

to shout at someone or attack them with rude, insulting words.

例句

The coach abused the referee after the winning goal was cancelled.

abuse + person with angry words

A drunk passenger abused station workers when the last train left.

同義詞
  • insult

    neutral in tone and often less intense

  • berate

    stresses angry criticism delivered at length

  • curse

    focuses on using offensive language

反義詞
  • praise

    speak approvingly instead of attacking

  • respect

    speak to someone in a considerate way

文法句型

abuse + person over/about something

用法筆記

This sense focuses on hostile language, often in a moment of anger after a mistake, delay, or loss. Distinguish from sense 2: if the main idea is long-term violent or controlling treatment, use sense 2 instead.

常見錯誤

❌The husband abused his wife for ten years' when you mean violent treatment.
✅The husband abused his wife for ten years' under sense 2, or 'The husband kept insulting his wife' for this sense.
💡sense 3 is about verbal attack, not the full pattern of domestic cruelty.
❌The customer abused the waiter and broke his nose.
✅The customer abused the waiter and then assaulted him.
💡this sense covers insulting words; physical attack needs an additional verb.

abused — adjective