abuse
verb (used with object)
to use wrongly or improperly; misuse.
had abused
-
past perfectof abuse.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
They argued in court that both men had abused their government positions and contacts to favour businessman Victor de Aldama, who has already admitted his role in the vast and complex affair.
From Barron's ● Apr. 7, 2026
EU officials said in 2009 that the chip maker had abused its dominance in the market for x86 computer chips by paying manufacturers to halt or delay the launch of specific products with competing chips.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 10, 2025
According to the Competition Bureau, an investigation found that Google had "abused its dominant position" as the biggest ad tech stack in Canada.
From BBC ● Nov. 28, 2024
Baldwin’s attorneys argued during a court hearing Friday that special prosecutor Kari T. Morrissey had abused her power by allegedly withholding “significant evidence,” including witnesses favorable to Baldwin, during a January grand jury proceeding.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 17, 2024
I felt an unpleasant mixture of fear and shame — fear that I would get some cosmic comeuppance and shame that I had abused the trust of my adopted family.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
