Abuse
Pronunciation: /əˈbjuːs/
Abuse (noun)
- cruel or violent treatment of someone or something
- using power or authority in a wrong or harmful way
- rude or offensive words said to someone
Examples
- The abuse of animals is a serious issue.
- Abuse in any form should not be tolerated.
Common collocations: suffer abuse, report abuse, physical abuse, abuse of power, political abuse
Abuse (verb)
- to treat someone or something in a cruel or violent way
- to use something in a way that is wrong or harmful
Examples
- They abused the animals in the shelter.
- No one should abuse their partner.