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

Even when courts determine no child abuse has occurred, children are being removed from homes through networks of runaway shelters and nonprofits.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

Tony, who received the British Empire Medal for services to the prevention of child abuse, told the BBC he was "so happy it's finally happening and that children will be more protected".

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

Sheriff’s deputies responded to Minaj’s home in June 2023 following a false report of child abuse and, a month later, to a false report of a shooting, according to TMZ.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2025

County district attorney’s office’s complex child abuse unit.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 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