Having been subjected to oppression or maltreatment
“The Special Agent said that most of the abused prisoners had no military intelligence value.”
Having been mistreated or assaulted, especially physically
Sullied or tainted in some manner
Assailed with contemptuous language
To have exploited someone for one's personal gain
“It is advised that you do not abuse your customers' trust by sending them unsolicited promotional material.”
Past tense for to treat with cruelty or violence, especially regularly or repeatedly
“Jockeys get suspended if they abuse their horses over here.”
Past tense for to treat in a manner that violates someone's decency
“He was caught on camera trying to abuse her in broad daylight!”
Past tense for to verbally criticize harshly, especially with insulting language
“Gordon was a man with a bad temper who would regularly abuse his staff.”
Past tense for to apply improperly or incorrectly in an almost obscene way
“Those who are of corrupt character are likely to abuse any power afforded to them.”
(of a quantity of something) Past tense for to apply improperly or incorrectly in an almost obscene way
“He would abuse the funds allocated to him by spending it on costly, yet frivolous, items.”
Past tense for to misuse a device or machine by pushing it to, or over, its limits
“Do not abuse the washing machine by overloading it past its capacity.”
Related Words and Phrases
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