1abuse 
/əˈbju:z/ verb
abus·es; abused; abus·ing /əˈbju:z/ verb [+ obj] 1 : to treat (a person or animal) in a harsh or harmful way
▪ He abused [=mistreated] his wife both mentally and physically. ▪ abuse a dog ▪ He was accused of sexually/physically/psychologically abusing a child. 2 : to use or treat (something) in a way that causes damage
▪ He abused his body with years of heavy drinking. ▪ He had abused his first car by not taking care of it. 3 : to use (something) wrongly
▪ abuse [=misuse] a privilege ▪ She abused her friend's trust. ▪ a senator who abuses his power ▪ He abused my confidence by letting this secret be known. 4 : to use too much of (a drug, alcohol, etc.)
▪ a drug that is abused by many people ▪ He was known to abuse alcohol. 5 : to attack (someone) in words
▪ The fans were verbally abusing the referee.
▪ He abused [=mistreated] his wife both mentally and physically. ▪ abuse a dog ▪ He was accused of sexually/physically/psychologically abusing a child.
▪ He abused his body with years of heavy drinking. ▪ He had abused his first car by not taking care of it.
▪ abuse [=misuse] a privilege ▪ She abused her friend's trust. ▪ a senator who abuses his power ▪ He abused my confidence by letting this secret be known.
▪ a drug that is abused by many people ▪ He was known to abuse alcohol.
▪ The fans were verbally abusing the referee.
— abused adjective
▪ providing help for abused children/women
▪ providing help for abused children/women
— abus·er noun, plural abus·ers [count]
▪ a child abuser ▪ officeholders who are abusers of privilege ▪ alcohol/cocaine/drug/substance abusers
▪ a child abuser ▪ officeholders who are abusers of privilege ▪ alcohol/cocaine/drug/substance abusers
