Word Games Pro Dictionary

abuse

noun verb

cruel or inhumane treatment

Quick reference

Word Facts

Word length
5
Starts with
A
Ends with
E
Contains
BU
Scrabble score
7
Database source
OEWN 2025 Core

How it sounds

Pronunciation

əˈbjuːs

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Audio Pronunciation

Audio pronunciation is unavailable for this word.

Meaning

Definitions

noun

  1. cruel or inhumane treatment

    “the child showed signs of physical abuse”

noun

  1. improper or excessive use

    “alcohol abuse”

noun

  1. a rude expression intended to offend or hurt

    “when a student made a stupid mistake he spared them no abuse”

verb

  1. change the inherent purpose or function of something

    “Don't abuse the system”

verb

  1. use wrongly or improperly or excessively

    “Her husband often abuses alcohol”

verb

  1. use foul or abusive language towards

    “The actress abused the policeman who gave her a parking ticket”

verb

  1. treat badly

    “This boss abuses his workers”

In context

Example Sentences

the child showed signs of physical abuse
alcohol abuse
the abuse of public funds
when a student made a stupid mistake he spared them no abuse
they yelled insults at the visiting team
Don't abuse the system
The director of the factory misused the funds intended for the health care of his workers
Her husband often abuses alcohol
while she was pregnant, she abused drugs
The actress abused the policeman who gave her a parking ticket
The angry mother shouted at the teacher
This boss abuses his workers
She is always stepping on others to get ahead

Similar words

Synonyms

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