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0 English - Dictionary monolingual

Abuse

əˈbjuz
Very common
~ 2400
~ 2400, Very common
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
To use something in a way that is harmful or morally wrong, To treat a person or animal with cruelty or violence, To speak to someone in an offensive or insulting way

Abuse - Meanings

To use something in a way that is harmful or morally wrong

Example: He abused his power by mistreating his subordinates.
Usage: formalContext: professional settings, legal discussions
Note: This meaning is often used in serious contexts to describe misuse or mistreatment.

To treat a person or animal with cruelty or violence

Example: The dog was abused by its previous owner.
Usage: formalContext: discussions about animal rights, social issues
Note: This meaning is commonly associated with physical or emotional harm inflicted on living beings.

To speak to someone in an offensive or insulting way

Example: He abused his classmates with hurtful words.
Usage: informalContext: casual conversations, school environments
Note: This meaning is often used in interpersonal conflicts or bullying situations.

Abuse's synonyms

mistreatment

Mistreatment refers to the act of treating someone or something poorly or with cruelty.
Example: The mistreatment of animals in the circus is a serious issue.
Note: Mistreatment often implies a broader range of negative treatment beyond just verbal or physical abuse.

harassment

Harassment involves the act of aggressive pressure or intimidation towards someone.
Example: She reported her coworker for harassment in the workplace.
Note: Harassment can include behaviors that are not necessarily physical in nature, such as verbal abuse or unwanted advances.

cruelty

Cruelty refers to the deliberate and intentional infliction of pain or suffering on others.
Example: The cruelty inflicted on innocent civilians during the war was heartbreaking.
Note: Cruelty often conveys a sense of intentional harm or malice towards the victim.

exploitation

Exploitation involves taking advantage of someone for one's own benefit, often in a selfish or unfair manner.
Example: Child labor is a form of exploitation that must be eradicated.
Note: Exploitation can involve using someone's vulnerability or lack of power to gain an advantage over them, beyond just physical or verbal abuse.

Abuse expressions, common phrases

Child abuse

Child abuse refers to the physical, emotional, or sexual mistreatment of children.
Example: She works at a shelter for children who have suffered from child abuse.
Note: This phrase specifically focuses on abuse directed towards children.

Domestic abuse

Domestic abuse is the abuse that happens within a domestic setting, often involving partners or family members.
Example: She finally had the courage to leave her partner after years of enduring domestic abuse.
Note: It highlights abuse that occurs within a household or intimate relationship.

Substance abuse

Substance abuse involves the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances like alcohol or drugs.
Example: His life spiraled out of control due to his substance abuse issues.
Note: It specifically refers to the misuse of substances rather than a broader sense of abuse.

Verbal abuse

Verbal abuse is the use of words to cause harm, distress, or control over another person.
Example: She couldn't tolerate his constant verbal abuse any longer.
Note: It focuses on abusive language and communication rather than physical actions.

Abuse of power

Abuse of power occurs when someone in authority misuses their position to take advantage of others.
Example: The manager's abuse of power led to a toxic work environment.
Note: It highlights the misuse of authority or influence rather than physical or emotional harm.

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse involves non-consensual sexual activities or behavior inflicted on a person.
Example: The organization is committed to raising awareness about the prevalence of sexual abuse.
Note: It specifically focuses on sexual misconduct and harm rather than other forms of abuse.

Emotional abuse

Emotional abuse includes behaviors that harm an individual's emotional well-being and self-worth.
Example: The effects of emotional abuse can be long-lasting and damaging.
Note: It emphasizes psychological harm and manipulation rather than physical harm.

Abuse everyday (slang) expressions

Abusing substances

This term refers to the act of using drugs or alcohol excessively and in a harmful way.
Example: He has been abusing substances for years.
Note: While 'abuse' can be a broader term, 'abusing substances' specifically focuses on the misuse of drugs or alcohol.

Abuse the system

To take advantage of or exploit a system for personal gain or benefit.
Example: Some people try to abuse the system to get benefits they don't deserve.
Note: In this context, 'abuse' is used to describe the exploitation of a particular system rather than physical or psychological harm.

Verbally abuse

To use harsh and harmful words to attack or humiliate someone.
Example: She was tired of being verbally abused by her boss.
Note: Although 'verbally abuse' contains the word 'abuse,' it specifically refers to the act of inflicting harm through spoken words.

Abuse of trust

When someone violates the faith or confidence placed in them by another person.
Example: His betrayal was considered an abuse of trust by his colleagues.
Note: This phrase focuses on the breach of trust rather than physical or emotional harm, unlike the broader sense of 'abuse.'

Abuse the privilege

To take advantage of a special right or benefit provided, often resulting in its misuse or overuse.
Example: If you continue to misuse your access, we will have to revoke your privileges for abusing the privilege.
Note: This term highlights the misuse of a granted privilege or advantage without necessarily causing physical or emotional harm.

Abuse - Examples

Abuse of power is a serious issue in many countries.
She suffered from emotional abuse for years.
The company was accused of abusing its employees.

Abuse grammar

Abuse - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: abuse
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): abuses, abuse
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): abuse
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): abused
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): abusing
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): abuses
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): abuse
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): abuse
Syllables, Separation and Stress
abuse Contains 1 syllables: abuse
Phonetic transcription: ə-ˈbyüs
abuse , ə ˈbyüs (The red syllable is stressed)

Abuse - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
abuse: ~ 2400 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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