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Abuse
01
treatment of a person or animal in a violent or cruel way
Examples
Child abuse is a serious societal issue that requires prompt intervention and support for victims.
02
improper, harmful, or excessive use of something
Examples
Drug abuse remains a major public health issue.
03
offensive or insulting language directed at someone
Examples
The referee received verbal abuse from angry fans.
to abuse
01
to cruelly or violently treat a person or an animal, especially regularly or repeatedly
Transitive: to abuse sb/sth
Examples
Domestic violence is a serious issue where one partner may abuse the other, causing both physical and emotional harm.
02
to use or manipulate something in a way that deviates from its intended purpose
Transitive: to abuse sth
Examples
Online platforms have policies to prevent users from abusing the system through spamming or harassment.
03
to consume substances such as alcohol or drugs beyond acceptable or recommended levels
Transitive: to abuse alcohol or drugs
Examples
He began to abuse alcohol after facing a series of personal challenges, leading to detrimental effects on his health.
04
to verbally attack or insult someone with offensive or harsh language
Transitive: to abuse sb
Examples
During the heated argument, he chose to abuse his opponent with a barrage of insults and offensive language.
05
to sexually assault a person, especially women and children
Transitive: to abuse sb
Examples
The survivor courageously shared their experience of an individual who sought to abuse them.
