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Intermediate Dictionary
       

a·buse

abuse

 
 
parts of speech:
verb, noun
features:
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part of speech: verb
pronunciation: byuz
inflections: abuses, abusing, abused
definition 1: to use in a way that is wrong or bad; misuse.
If you abuse your privileges, you will lose them.She abuses alcohol.
synonyms:
misuse
similar words:
exploit
definition 2: to hurt or harm by treating badly.
His stepfather used to abuse him, and he broke his arm one time.Smokers abuse their own lungs.
synonyms:
disrespect, mistreat, misuse, wrong
antonyms:
honor, respect
similar words:
affront, batter, beat, harm, hit, hurt, injure, offend, oppress, persecute, punish, strike, torment
definition 3: to talk to or about in an insulting or unfair way.
I don't care what he says about me, but I can't stand when he abuses my sister.
synonyms:
badmouth, chew out, insult, malign
antonyms:
compliment, praise
similar words:
affront, curse, lash, offend
 
part of speech: noun
pronunciation: byus
definition 1: bad or wrong use; misuse.
It is an abuse of power for the king to take money from poor people so that he can live in luxury.
synonyms:
misuse
definition 2: cruel or harmful treatment.
After two weeks of abuse, the new doll's head fell off.
synonyms:
mistreatment, wrong
antonyms:
care
similar words:
battery, harm, injury, punishment, torture
definition 3: harsh or insulting words.
The enemies hurled abuse at each other.
antonyms:
praise
similar words:
curse, insult, scolding, shaft
derivation: abuser (n.)
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