abuse
verb (used with object)
to use wrongly or improperly; misuse.
abused
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past participleof abuse.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof abuse.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
abuseverb (used with object)to use wrongly or improperly; misuse.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Iglesias, 82, called the accusations "absolutely false", saying he had never "abused, coerced, or disrespected any woman".
From Barron's ● Sep. 4, 2026
Black, who was one of Epstein’s biggest financial clients, has said he didn’t know about Epstein’s crimes, never abused a woman and wasn’t blackmailed by Epstein.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 3, 2026
But, during his sentencing remarks, His Honour Judge Paul Farrer KC, said he did not accept Allen's judgement was impaired at the time and said he had abused a position of trust.
From BBC ● Aug. 24, 2026
She digs into why it’s so appealing—and why it’s also become the most abused trope on BookTok.
From Slate ● Aug. 6, 2026
It had a record of practically every human interaction since the moment it became aware—but unlike in mortal days, that knowledge was never abused.
From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman
