abusing
word · lemma: abuse
Definition
Using something in a harmful or wrong way, or treating someone cruelly or unfairly.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used for both physical/emotional mistreatment ('abusing children') and improper use of things ('abusing power' or 'abusing drugs'). Often formal or serious in tone. Don't confuse with just 'using'—'abusing' always implies harm or wrongness.
Spanish: abusando de - maltratandoPortuguese (BR): abusando de - maltratandoPortuguese (PT): abusar de - maltratarChinese (Simplified): 滥用 - 虐待Chinese (Traditional): 濫用 - 虐待Hindi: दुरुपयोग कर रहा है - अत्याचार कर रहा हैArabic: يُسيء استخدام - يُسيء معاملةBengali: দুর্ব্যবহার করা - অপব্যবহার করাRussian: злоупотреблять - оскорблятьJapanese: 乱用する - 虐待するVietnamese: lạm dụng - ngược đãiKorean: 남용하다 - 학대하다Turkish: istismar etmek - kötüye kullanmakUrdu: ناجائز استعمال کرنا - بدسلوکی کرناIndonesian: menyalahgunakan - menganiaya
Example Sentences
If you keep abusing my trust, I won't help you anymore.
natural
He was abusing his position at work.
basic
She stopped abusing drugs a year ago.
basic
They were punished for abusing the rules.
basic
People often don't realize they're abusing their power until it's too late.
natural
Stop abusing the system just to get what you want!
natural