abuse
US /əˈbjuz/
・UK /ə'bju:s/
A2
verb
- To mistreat or be cruel towards someone
- To use in an inappropriate or excessive way
- To use something wrongly or dishonestly
- To insult someone or swear at them
noun
- Improper/dishonest/excessive use of something
- Insulting someone, e.g. by swearing at them
Examples
victims of child abuse
The child had taken a lot of emotional abuse.