abusing

4 definitions • 8 examples

present participle of

to use something for the wrong purpose in a way that is harmful or morally wrong:

She is continually abusing her position/authority by getting other people to do things for her.

I never expected that he would abuse the trust I placed in him.

He fears that his brother may be abusing alcohol.

to treat someone cruelly or violently:

sexually abuse The therapist works with children who have been sexually abused.

physically abuse The dog showed signs of being physically abused.

Men who abuse their partners are good at portraying themselves as the real victims.

to speak to someone rudely or cruelly:

verbally abuse The athlete was being verbally abused by a drunk fan in the crowd.

The crowd started abusing him after he failed to save a goal.