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| a·buse [ ə byss ] |
noun (plural a·bus·es) |
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| Definition: |
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1. maltreatment: the physical, psychological, or sexual maltreatment of a person or animal
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2. improper use: the illegal, improper, or harmful use of something
  allegations of abuse of government powers
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3. improper practice: an illegal, improper, or harmful practice
human rights abuses
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4. insults: insulting or offensive language
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5. drug use: the harmful use of drugs or alcohol
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verb (past and past participle a·bused, present participle a·bus·ing, 3rd person present singular a·bus·es) |
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| Definition: |
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1. transitive verb maltreat somebody: to treat a person or animal cruelly, whether physically, psychologically, or sexually, especially on a regular or habitual basis
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2. transitive verb misuse something: to use something in an improper, illegal, or harmful way
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3. transitive verb insult somebody: to speak insultingly or offensively to somebody
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4. a·buse your·self [ ə byss ] vr masturbate: to masturbate
(
disapproving
)
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| [15th century. Via French abus< Latin abusus, past participle of abuti "use up, misuse" < uti "use"] |
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