1
: a corrupt practice or custom
the buying of votes and other election abuses
2
: improper or excessive use or treatment : misuse
drug abuse
3
: language that condemns or vilifies usually unjustly, intemperately, and angrily
verbal abuse
a term of abuse
4
: physical maltreatment
child abuse
sexual abuse
5
obsolete
: a deceitful act : deception
abused; abusing
1
a
: to put to a wrong or improper use
abuse a privilege
b
: to use excessively
abuse alcohol
also
: to use without medical justification
abusing painkillers
2
: to use or treat so as to injure or damage : maltreat
abused his wife
3
: to attack in words : revile
verbally abused the referee
4
obsolete
: deceive
abuser
noun
Synonyms
Examples of abuse in a Sentence
Noun
He subjected his wife to physical and emotional abuse.
the buying of votes and other election abuses
She was subjected to every term of abuse her boss could think of.
a torrent of verbal abuse
The prisoner hurled abuse at the judge.
Verb
He was accused of sexually abusing a child.
He abused his body with years of heavy drinking.
He had abused his first car by not taking care of it.
She abused her friend's trust.
a senator who abuses his power
He abused my confidence by letting this secret be known.
Recent Examples on the Web
Sam Tabachnik, The Denver Post, 5 Nov. 2024
Critics warn of potential abuse and the possibility of a black market.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 19 Nov. 2024
That brings enormous power, and the ability to abuse that power.
—Daniel Eagan, IndieWire, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for abuse 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
Breslin ran on a platform focused on reducing violent crime and reducing incarceration for nonviolent offenders with substance abuse and mental health issues.
—Sam Tabachnik, The Denver Post, 5 Nov. 2024
Critics warn of potential abuse and the possibility of a black market.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
That post in question found Harper outright denying Richards’ lawsuit claims that Diddy subjected them to abuse.
—Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 19 Nov. 2024
That brings enormous power, and the ability to abuse that power.
—Daniel Eagan, IndieWire, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for abuse
Dictionary Entries Near abuse
Cite this Entry
“Abuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abuse. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Medical Definition
abuse
2 of 2 transitive verb
abused; abusing
1
: to use excessively
abuse alcohol
also
: to use without medical justification
abusing painkillers
2
: to treat so as to injure or damage
abuse a child
3
a
b
: to subject to abuse and especially to rape or indecent assault
abuser
noun
Legal Definition
abuse
1 of 2 transitive verb
abused; abusing
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
2
a
: to inflict physical or emotional mistreatment or injury on (as one's child) purposely or through negligence or neglect and often on a regular basis
b
: to engage in sexual activity with (a child under an age specified by statute)
3
: to attack harshly with words
abuse a police officer
abuse a debtor
abuser
noun
abuse
2 of 2 noun1
: improper, unfair, or excessive use
abuse of authority
drug abuse
2
a
: the infliction of physical or emotional injury
also
: the crime of inflicting such injury see also battered child syndrome, battered woman's syndrome compare cruelty, neglect
b
3
: a verbal attack (as on a police officer in the performance of his or her duty)
also
: the crime of making such an attack
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