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

See Examples For:

child abuse

Advocates have begun passing new laws replacing anonymous reporting to child abuse hotlines with confidential reporting.

From Slate ● Jul. 7, 2026

Jenny Coleman, the founder of Stop It Now!, a nonprofit that works to end child abuse, has also seen a rise in calls for help over the years.

From Slate ● Jun. 15, 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

In fact, nationwide, most women on death row are awaiting execution for a family crime involving an allegation of child abuse or domestic violence involving a male partner.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson