verb (used with object), a·bused, a·bus·ing. to use wrongly or improperly; misuse: to abuse one's authority. to treat in a harmful, injurious, or offensive way: to abuse a horse; to abuse one's eyesight. to speak insultingly, harshly, and unjustly to or about; revile; malign. to commit sexual assault upon.

What is the proper meaning of abuse?

(Entry 1 of 2) 1 : a corrupt practice or custom the buying of votes and other election abuses. 2 : improper or excessive use or treatment : misuse drug abuse. 3 : language that condemns or vilifies usually unjustly, intemperately, and angrily verbal abuse a term of abuse.

What does abuse mean example?

Abuse means to hurt or injure something or someone by acting badly or neglectfully. Hitting your spouse or not feeding your pet are both examples of abuse. verb.