/əˈbjuːs/

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Meaning

Cruel or unfair treatment of a person or animal; also the wrong use of something, such as power.

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Word origin

From Latin abuti, to use wrongly, from ab, away, plus uti, to use.

Origin
Latin
Root
abuti
English cognates
use

Examples

.

Abuse is cruel treatment that hurts someone.

verbal .

Verbal abuse hurts with words instead of hands.

.

Here abuse means using power in a wrong way.

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abuse: worksheet, infographic and listicle

Free printable study downloads for the English word "abuse" (Cruel or unfair treatment of a person or animal; also the wrong use of something, such as power.): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.

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This word is taught in chapter 25, lesson 4: abuse, German, session and 7 more words.