abuse (verb)
1abuse — ► VERB 1) use improperly or to excess. 2) treat with cruelty or violence, especially assault sexually. 3) speak to in an insulting and offensive way. ► NOUN 1) the improper use of something. 2) cruel and violent treatment, especially sexual… …
2abuse — {{Roman}}I.{{/Roman}} noun 1 wrong/bad use of sth ADJECTIVE ▪ alcohol, drug, solvent, substance (= drugs, etc.) ▪ systematic, widespread ▪ flagrant …
3abuse — 1 /ə byüz/ vt abused, abus·ing 1: to put to a use other than the one intended: as a: to put to a bad or unfair use abusing the powers of office b: to put to improper or excessive use abuse narcotics …
4abuse — Ⅰ. abuse UK US /əˈbjuːs/ noun ► [C or U] a situation in which a person uses something in a bad or wrong way, especially for their own advantage or pleasure: »The former president has been accused of corruption and abuse of power. »The politician… …
5abuse — verb (t) /əˈbjuz / (say uh byoohz) (abused, abusing) 1. to use wrongly or improperly; misuse: to abuse authority; to abuse a confidence. 2. to maltreat; act injuriously towards: to abuse the dog. 3. to inflict a sexual act on (a person),… …
6abuse — verb ə bju:z 1》 use to bad effect or for a bad purpose. 2》 treat with cruelty or violence. ↘assault sexually. 3》 address in an insulting and offensive way. noun ə bju:s 1》 the improper use of something. 2》 cruel and violent treatment.… …
7abuse — ♦♦ abuses, abusing, abused (The noun is pronounced [[t]əbju͟ːs[/t]]. The verb is pronounced [[t]əbju͟ːz[/t]].) 1) N UNCOUNT: also N in pl, usu with supp Abuse of someone is cruel and violent treatment of them. ...investigation of alleged child… …
8abuse — 1 noun 1 (C, U) the use of something in a way that it should not be used (+ of): government officials abuse of power | open to abuse (=able or likely to be used in the wrong way): The city s metro system is open to abuse by fare dodgers. |… …
9abuse — 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… …
10abuse — a|buse1 [ ə bjus ] noun *** 1. ) count or uncount 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… …
