Meaning & Definition of Abuse in English

1. Cruel or inhumane treatment

• "The child showed signs of physical abuse"

2. A rude expression intended to offend or hurt

• "When a student made a stupid mistake he spared them no abuse"

• "They yelled insults at the visiting team"

3. Improper or excessive use

• "Alcohol abuse"

• "The abuse of public funds"

1. Treat badly

• "This boss abuses his workers"

• "She is always stepping on others to get ahead"

2. Change the inherent purpose or function of something

• "Don't abuse the system"

• "The director of the factory misused the funds intended for the health care of his workers"

3. Use foul or abusive language towards

• "The actress abused the policeman who gave her a parking ticket"

• "The angry mother shouted at the teacher"

4. Use wrongly or improperly or excessively

• "Her husband often abuses alcohol"

• "While she was pregnant, she abused drugs"