child abuse

American  

noun

1. mistreatment of a child by a parent or guardian, including neglect, beating, and sexual molestation.

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child abuse British  

noun

1. physical, sexual, or emotional ill-treatment or neglect of a child, esp by those responsible for its welfare See also nonaccidental injury

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Etymology

Origin of child abuse

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

The Crime and Policing Bill, now in its final stages in parliament, has been framed to improve authorities' crackdowns on knife crime, anti-social behaviour, violence against women and girls, shoplifting and child abuse.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Although Hatami understands the reasoning behind SB 1437, he believes the law should be amended to exempt child abuse cases.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

Still, Polis has urged the federal government to let states ensure that money isn’t going to unsafe schools or people convicted of child abuse.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

Now she is campaigning for a change in the law around sentencing guidelines for historical child abuse cases.

From BBC • Jul. 2, 2025

But it turned out the notion that being a middle kid was a form of child abuse was greatly exaggerated.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi