Abuse (Noun)
Meaning 1
Improper or excessive use; "alcohol abuse"; "the abuse of public funds".
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- The company is being sued for its abuse of market power.
- Her addiction began with the occasional drink, but soon escalated into full-blown alcohol abuse.
- The news of the politician's abuse of public funds sparked widespread outrage and calls for resignation.
- The country's rich natural resources have been subject to decades of abuse and neglect.
- The agency was created to investigate and prevent the abuse of congressional power.
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Meaning 2
Cruel or inhumane treatment; "the child showed signs of physical abuse".
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- The animal shelter worker noticed signs of neglect and physical abuse on the stray dog's body.
- The teacher realized that the student was a victim of psychological abuse by her own parents.
- The police were called to investigate reports of verbal abuse by the disgruntled customer towards the store employees.
- The therapist helped the patient heal from years of emotional abuse suffered in a toxic relationship.
- The aid worker witnessed firsthand the brutal abuse of refugees at the hands of their captors.
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Meaning 3
A rude expression intended to offend or hurt; "when a student made a stupid mistake he spared them no abuse"; "they yelled insults at the visiting team".
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.