Abuse Meaning
Abuse Definition & Usage
The harmful or cruel treatment of a person, often repeatedly, resulting in physical, emotional, or psychological damage.
Examples
- "The child suffered years of abuse at the hands of her stepfather."
- "Workplace abuse can take many forms, including bullying and harassment."
- "Many victims of abuse feel too scared to speak out against their perpetrators."
- "He was a survivor of abuse, struggling to rebuild his trust in others."
- "The community rallied together to support those affected by domestic abuse."
To treat someone with cruelty or violence, either physically or emotionally.
Examples
- "The teacher was accused of abusing his authority over the students."
- "She was abused by her partner for years before she finally sought help."
- "He was arrested for abusing his power as a public official."
- "The dog had been abused by its previous owner and was terrified of people."
- "It is illegal to abuse children in any form, whether physical or emotional."
To use something in a way that is harmful, illegal, or unethical, especially for personal gain.
Examples
- "The company abused the trust of its customers by misusing their personal data."
- "He was accused of abusing his position for financial gain."
- "She abused her influence in the organization to secure promotions for her friends."
- "It's unethical to abuse the system for personal gain, especially at the expense of others."
- "The politician was criticized for abusing his power to push through laws that benefited him."
Cultural Context
The concept of abuse is often tied to cultural norms regarding acceptable behavior and power dynamics. It has been a major social issue, especially in the context of family relationships, workplace environments, and systemic societal structures. Over the years, laws and movements aimed at preventing and addressing abuse have gained significant importance in many countries.
The Long Road to Freedom
Story
The Long Road to Freedom
In a small, quiet town, Sarah had always felt trapped in her relationship with her husband, Tom. For years, his verbal and emotional abuse had worn her down. He would belittle her in front of their friends, making her feel worthless and small. But as the years went by, something inside Sarah began to change. She realized she no longer wanted to live in fear, and one evening, after yet another tirade from Tom, she finally found the courage to leave. The journey wasn't easy, but with the support of a local women's shelter, Sarah started to rebuild her life. Her case became a symbol of strength and survival in the community, showing others that abuse, in any form, should never be tolerated. At the same time, Sarah’s story was shared in workshops and awareness campaigns, helping to educate others about the harmful impact of verbal and emotional abuse. But abuse wasn't limited to personal relationships. At work, Sarah found herself in another toxic environment, where her manager regularly abused his power by making inappropriate demands on his employees. Determined to not let it happen again, Sarah spoke out, inspiring others in the office to stand up against workplace abuse.
Related Words
