abuse — the improper use of something or the cruel and violent treatment of a person or animal
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the improper use of something or the cruel and violent treatment of a person or animal
Pronunciation (IPA): /əˈbjuːs/
Example Sentences
- My cat thinks using my laptop keyboard as a bed is not abuse of office equipment.
- The company was fined for environmental abuse.
- Don't abuse the 'Reply All' button in emails - your coworkers will hate you!
abuse
NOUN[/əˈbjuːs/]
the improper use of something or the cruel and violent treatment of a person or animal
He never raised his hand — but the abuse left marks nobody could see.
A BRUISE you cannot see — that is what abuse leaves behind. (A + BRUISE → Abuse leaves A BRUISE — sometimes visible, always real)
Abuse hides behind every excuse — until someone finally refuses.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'abusus', the past participle of 'abuti', meaning 'to misuse' or 'to use wrongly'. The prefix 'ab-' means 'away from' and 'uti' means 'to use'.
Breakdown
ab- (away from) + use (to employ) = abuse (improper or harmful use)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cat thinks using my laptop keyboard as a bed is not abuse of office equipment.”
“The company was fined for environmental abuse.”
“Don't abuse the 'Reply All' button in emails - your coworkers will hate you!”
“She reported the abuse to the authorities immediately.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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