Word of the Day: Abuse
To abuse someone or something is to use it or treat it in a way that is wrong. When this word is a verb, the “s” sounds like a “z.”
| simple | past | past participle |
|---|---|---|
|
abuse
|
abused
|
abused
|
- The man who abused his neighbors with insults and vandalism was eventually arrested by the police.
- The woman who lives in the apartment next door lost custody of her children because she was abusing them.
- A person I work with was abusing his wife, so the police arrested him.
- It’s unhealthy to abuse alcohol.
- The President is in danger of being impeached for abusing his position for personal gain. (The word “abusing” in this sentence is a gerund.)
- A teacher who is aware of a child being abused must report the abuse to the authorities.
When this word is a noun, it’s pronounced abuse. The “s” is pronounced as an “s.”
- Elder abuse, which involves harming a person who is elderly, may result in jail time if there’s a conviction.
- People who work in hospitals can suffer from physical and mental abuse while on the job.
- The abuse of a child is a terrible thing which can not go unpunished.
- Sexual abuse from a spouse should be reported to the authorities.
- Victims of abuse can find help through social services.
- The intentional abuse of an animal is illegal in many places.
- Boxers can endure a lot of physical abuse as they are fighting.
The word “abusive” is an adjective:
- The manager of the store was fired because he was so abusive towards the employees.
- Jennifer left her husband because he was verbally abusive towards her.
- Rick divorced his wife on the grounds that she was so emotionally abusive.
- You shouldn’t remain in an abusive relationship.
Essential English Dictionary
Visit the Popular English Words Beginning with A page to see the list of all words starting with letter A. For seeing the HiCafe dictionary, visit the Popular English Words with Meaning page.
