English dictionary
Info: This web site is based on WordNet 3.0 from Princeton University.
English noun: abuse | |||
| 1. | abuse (act) cruel or inhumane treatment | ||
| Samples | The child showed signs of physical abuse. | ||
| Synonyms | ill-treatment, ill-usage, maltreatment | ||
| Broader (hypernym) | mistreatment | ||
| Narrower (hyponym) | child abuse, child neglect, cruelty, inhuman treatment, persecution | ||
| 2. | abuse (communication) a rude expression intended to offend or hurt | ||
| Samples | When a student made a stupid mistake he spared them no abuse. They yelled insults at the visiting team. | ||
| Synonyms | contumely, insult, revilement, vilification | ||
| Broader (hypernym) | discourtesy, disrespect | ||
| Narrower (hyponym) | billingsgate, cut, invective, low blow, scurrility, stinger, vitriol, vituperation | ||
| 3. | abuse (act) improper or excessive use | ||
| Samples | Alcohol abuse. The abuse of public funds. | ||
| Synonyms | misuse | ||
| Broader (hypernym) | employment, exercise, usage, use, utilisation, utilization | ||
| Narrower (hyponym) | drug abuse, habit, substance abuse | ||
English verb: abuse | |||
| 1. | abuse (social) treat badly | ||
| Samples | This boss abuses his workers. She is always stepping on others to get ahead. | ||
| Examples | They want to abuse the prisoners | ||
| Synonyms | ill-treat, ill-use, maltreat, mistreat, step | ||
| Pattern of use | Somebody ----s something. Somebody ----s somebody | ||
| Broader (hypernym) | do by, handle, treat | ||
| Narrower (hyponym) | kick around | ||
| 2. | abuse (change) change the inherent purpose or function of something | ||
| Samples | Don't abuse the system. The director of the factory misused the funds intended for the health care of his workers. | ||
| Synonyms | misuse, pervert | ||
| Pattern of use | Somebody ----s something | ||
| Broader (hypernym) | expend, use | ||
| Narrower (hyponym) | fracture, take in vain | ||
| 3. | abuse (communication) use foul or abusive language towards | ||
| Samples | The actress abused the policeman who gave her a parking ticket. The angry mother shouted at the teacher. | ||
| Synonyms | blackguard, clapperclaw, shout | ||
| Pattern of use | Somebody ----s somebody | ||
| Broader (hypernym) | assail, assault, attack, lash out, round, snipe | ||
| Narrower (hyponym) | curse, rail, revile, slang, vilify, vituperate | ||
| 4. | abuse (change) use wrongly or improperly or excessively | ||
| Samples | Her husband often abuses alcohol. While she was pregnant, she abused drugs. | ||
| Pattern of use | Somebody ----s something | ||
| Broader (hypernym) | expend, use | ||
Based on WordNet 3.0 copyright © Princeton University.
Web design: Orcapia v/Per Bang. English edition: .
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Web design: Orcapia v/Per Bang. English edition: .
2024 onlineordbog.dk