abuse

• Nom désignant un mauvais traitement, nuisible ou injuste infligé à une personne, un animal, une substance ou un système, incluant souvent un préjudice physique, verbal ou émotionnel. Peut aussi référer à un usage excessif ou inapproprié de quelque chose.

A noun referring to the improper, harmful, or unjust treatment of a person, animal, substance, or system, often involving physical, verbal, or emotional harm.

indénombrable

1. Cruel or violent treatmentB2formal

   The improper or harmful treatment of a person or animal, often involving physical or emotional harm.

   Mauvais traitements

   • The organization works to prevent child abuse.
   • He suffered years of emotional abuse from his partner.
   • Animal abuse is a serious crime in many countries.

   Synonymesbrutalitycrueltyharmill-treatmentinjurymaltreatmentmistreatmentviolence

   Antonymescaregentlenesskindnessprotection

2. Insulting languageB2formal

   Rude or offensive words directed at someone.

   injures

   • The player was sent off for shouting abuse at the referee.
   • She endured a stream of verbal abuse from the angry customer.
   • Hate speech and racial abuse are unacceptable in any society.

   Synonymesdefamationinvectivename callingrevilementscurrilityvilificationvituperation

   Antonymescomplimentpraise

3. Misuse of somethingB2formal

   The improper or excessive use of something, especially a substance or a position of power.

   Mauvais usage, usage abusif

   • Drug abuse can lead to serious health problems.
   • The investigation revealed widespread abuse of public funds.
   • Alcohol abuse is a major concern in many communities.

   Synonymesexploitationmisapplicationmisuseperversion

• Verbe désignant le fait d'utiliser quelque chose de manière nuisible, incorrecte ou excessive, ou de traiter quelqu'un avec cruauté ou violence.

A verb used to indicate the act of using something in a harmful, improper, or excessive way, or treating someone with cruelty or violence.

1. Misuse or mistreatB2formal

   To use something in a harmful, improper, or excessive way.

   Maltraiter ou mésuser

   • He abused his power as manager by favoring his friends.
   • She abused the trust placed in her by the company.
   • They abused the system to get extra benefits.

   Synonymesexploitmaltreatmisapplymishandlemistreatmisusepervert

   Antonymescarecherishprotectrespect

2. Treat cruelly or violentlyB2formal

   To treat someone with cruelty or violence, especially regularly or repeatedly.

   maltraiter

   • The prisoner was physically abused by the guards.
   • She was emotionally abused by her partner for years.
   • Children should never be abused in any way.

   Synonymesassaultbatterbeatharmhurtill-treatinjuremaltreatmistreatmisuse

   Antonymescarecherishnurtureprotect

3. Speak insultinglyB2formal

   To speak to someone in an insulting, offensive, or harsh manner.

   Injurier

   • The coach verbally abused the players after the loss.
   • He was arrested for abusing a police officer.
   • She felt humiliated after being abused in public.

   Synonymesberatecurseinsultrevilescoldupbraidvilifyvituperate

   Antonymescommendcomplimentflatterpraise