abuse
pronunciation
How to pronounce abuse in British English:
UK [əˈbjuːs , əˈbjuːz]
How to pronounce abuse in American English:
US [əˈbjuːs , əˈbjuːz]
-
- Noun:
- cruel or inhumane treatment
- a rude expression intended to offend or hurt
- improper or excessive use
-
- Verb:
- treat badly
- change the inherent purpose or function of something
- use foul or abusive language towards
Word Origin
- abuse
- abuse: see use
- abuse (v.)
- early 15c., "to misuse, misapply," from Middle French abuser, from Vulgar Latin *abusare, from Latin abusus "an abusing, using up," past participle of abuti "use up," also "misuse," from ab- "away" (see ab-) + uti "use" (see use). Of sexual situations from early 15c., but originally incest, homosexuality, prostitution, etc.; meaning "to misuse sexually, ravish" is from 1550s. Specifically of drugs, from 1968. Related: Abused; abusing.
- abuse (n.)
- mid-15c., "improper practice," from Old French abus (14c.), from Latin abusus (see abuse (v.)). Earlier in Middle English was abusion "wicked act or practice, shameful thing, violation of decency" (early 14c.), "an insult" (mid-14c.).
Example
- 1. Drug abuse also may lead to such symptoms .
- 2. Your head was damaged by the abuse .
- 3. During the second world war a new term of abuse entered the english language .
- 4. Sometimes we students deserve the abuse .
- 5. Roadside parking attendants endured abuse and attacks .