abuse

/əˈbjuːz/ verb [T]

Definition

› to use something in a bad or wrong way, especially for your own advantage or pleasure: The Chief Executive is accused of abusing his position by advising family members when to buy and sell shares. Workers found to be abusing drugs or alcohol will be offered help.

› to use rude and offensive words to another person: Striking workers abused colleagues who continued to go into work.

(Definition of abuse verb from the Cambridge Business English Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

Focus on the pronunciation of abuse