Pronunciation: /əˈbjuzd/
verb to use something in a way that is harmful or wrong, often for personal gain
A1 She was abused by her ex-boyfriend.
A2 The dog had been abused before being rescued.
B1 The child was abused by their caregiver for years.
B2 The company was accused of abusing their power in the market.
C1 The politician was caught abusing their position for personal gain.
C2 The CEO was found guilty of abusing company funds for personal expenses.
adjective used improperly or in a harmful way
A1 The abused puppy was adopted by a loving family.
A2 She finally spoke up about the abused children in her neighborhood.
B1 The abused animals were rescued by a local animal shelter.
B2 The abused workers filed a complaint against their employer for mistreatment.
C1 The abused women's shelter provides support and resources for survivors of domestic violence.
C2 The abused prisoners were granted early release due to overcrowding in the prison.
formal The study revealed that many children in the orphanage were abused by the staff members.
informal She confided in me that she was being abused by her partner.
slang I can't believe she's still with that guy who abused her!
figurative The power plant abused the environment by releasing toxic waste into the river.
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