abuse

Definition

  • noun: a corrupt practice or custom
  • verb: to treat (a person or animal) in a harsh or harmful way
  • verb: to put to a wrong or improper use
  • synonyms: reproach, asperse, vilify

Examples

  • The government has been accused of 'human rights abuses'. [=of violating the basic rights of people by treating them wrongly]

  • These toys can stand up to a lot of 'abuse'. [=can be handled roughly without being damaged]

  • his 'abuse' [='mistreatment'] of his body through poor eating habits

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) Here you go. Take it easy, take it easy. Yeah, look, all I know is that she's scared to death. Yeah, I think maybe she's been abused or... kidnapped or something. Yeah, it'd be great if someone would come by. Yeah, we're at Randolph Lane. Yeah, Randolph. (..)
    2016 TvShow: Stranger Things Title: Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers Season: 1 Episode 1
  • (..) at the little theater in the park. Look, it was a job all right? 'Look, Gippetto, I'm a real live boy.' - I will not take this abuse. - You're right, I'm sorry. "Once I was a wooden boy, a little wooden boy..." You should both know, that he's a dead man. Oh, Chandler? So how you doing today? (..)
    1994 TvShow: Friends Title: The One Where Monica Gets a Roommate Season: 1 Episode 1
  • (..) Kurkjian did a story on him right after the Porter case. There's a victims' organization? Yeah. It's called SNAP. It's, uh, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. - Crummy Acronym. - Mmm. You want me to track him down? Yeah. Bring him in. How much longer you need (..)
    2015 Spotlight