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abuse
verb [T] (USE WRONGLY) /əˈbjuːz/Definition
› to use something for the wrong purpose in a way that is harmful or morally wrong: She is continually abusing her position/authority by getting other people to do things for her. I never expected that he would abuse the trust I placed in him. to abuse alcoholTreating people or animals badlyInsults and abuseUnkind, cruel and unfeelingViolent or aggressiveUsing and misusing abuser
/əˈbjuː.zər/
/-zɚ/ noun [C] › a child abuser a drug/solvent abuserTreating people or animals badlyInsults and abuseUnkind, cruel and unfeelingViolent or aggressive
/-zɚ/ noun [C] › a child abuser a drug/solvent abuserTreating people or animals badlyInsults and abuseUnkind, cruel and unfeelingViolent or aggressive(Definition of abuse verb (USE WRONGLY) from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus
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SMART Thesaurus: Using and misusing
Synonyms and related words:
- adopt verb (START USING)
- adoption noun (STARTING TO USE)
- avail yourself of sth phrasal verb
- be (of) (any/some) use idiom
- be/go heavy on sth idiom
- consume verb (USE RESOURCE)
- exhaust verb (USE)
- get/muscle in on the act idiom
- give/allow sth full play idiom
- go into sth phrasal verb (BE USED)
- go through sth phrasal verb (USE)
- gobble sth up phrasal verb
- spare verb (TRY HARD)
- swallow verb (TAKE AWAY)
- take sth from sb phrasal verb
- tap verb (GET)
- trade on sth phrasal verb
- turn sth over phrasal verb (USE)
- turn to sth phrasal verb
- turn/use sth to good account idiom
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