American English
/əˈbjus/
2 syllables · Stress the second syllable.
Cruel or harmful treatment of a person or animal, especially when it happens repeatedly.
“Abuse” is /əˈbjus/ as a noun and /əˈbjuz/ as a verb. The final sound is /s/ in the noun and /z/ in the verb.
Cruel or harmful treatment of a person or animal, especially when it happens repeatedly.
The child suffered years of abuse.
The shelter protects animals from abuse.
child abuse · physical abuse · sexual abuse · domestic abuse
suffer + abuse
abuse from + someone
Insulting or very aggressive words used to hurt someone.
She was tired of the verbal abuse.
He shouted abuse at the referee.
verbal abuse · hurl abuse · shout abuse · a stream of abuse
hurl + abuse at + someone
verbal abuse from + someone
The use of a power, right, or system in a wrong or harmful way.
The report found an abuse of power.
This is an abuse of the legal system.
abuse of power · abuse of authority · abuse of trust · abuse of the law
abuse of + power/authority
an abuse of + trust
The use of alcohol or drugs in a way that causes harm.
The program helps people with alcohol abuse.
Drug abuse can damage your health.
alcohol abuse · drug abuse · substance abuse
alcohol/drug + abuse
Cruel or harmful treatment of a child.
The law protects children from child abuse.
Insulting or aggressive words used to hurt someone.
She left the job because of the verbal abuse.
The use of power in a harmful or unfair way.
The report described an abuse of power.
For the verb, drop the final e before -ing: abusing, not abuseing.