abuse

1 noun

1 (C, U) the use of something in a way that it should not be used

(+ of): government officials' abuse of power | open to abuse (=able or likely to be used in the wrong way): The city's metro system is open to abuse by fare dodgers. | alcohol/drug/solvent abuse (=the practice of drinking too much or taking illegal drugs): The fraud department only deals with the worst abuse.

2 (U) rude or offensive things that someone says to someone else: I don't see why I should put up with this kind of abuse from anyone. | a stream/torrent of abuse (=a series of rude or angry words) | shout/scream/hurl abuse at: The driver leaned out of his window and started hurling abuse at me. | a term of abuse (=a word or phrase used to insult someone)

3 (U) cruel or violent treatment, often involving forced sexual activity, of someone that you are responsible for or should look after: child abuse | sexual abuse

2 verb (T)

1 to deliberately use something such as power or authority, for the wrong purpose: Williams abused his position as Mayor to give jobs to his friends. | abuse sb's trust/confidence etc (=deceive someone who trusts or depends on you in order to get advantages for yourself)

2 to treat someone in a cruel and violent way, often sexually, especially someone that you should look after: People who were abused as children often turn into child-abusers themselves.

3 to say rude or offensive things to someone

4 to treat something so badly that you start to destroy it: Richards abused his body for years with heroin and cocaine.

5 abuse yourself to masturbate