Words / B2

uh-BYOOS/əˈbjuːs/

Abuse as a noun is cruel treatment, or unfair use of power or a substance: abuse of expenses; drug abuse; abuse of process (often uncountable). The verb is /əˈbjuːz/. Misuse is close for rules and systems. Do not throw the word at a rude email unless the harm is real. Inquiries: abuse of expense rules.

Meaning

Cruel or violent treatment; also unfair use of power or of a drug (uncountable in many uses).

Examples

• “The inquiry examined abuse of expense rules in the department.”
• “The helpline takes reports of abuse, which is the harm-to-people sense.”

Good to know

abuse of + noun; drug / alcohol abuse. Verb stress: /əˈbjuːz/. Close (systems): misuse. Uncountable in many legal uses. Serious register.

Near in meaning

misuse

New