abuse
verb (used with object)
to use wrongly or improperly; misuse.
was abusing
-
past progressiveof abuse.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
In 1890, the North River Sugar Refining Corporation was dissolved by New York’s highest court on the grounds that it was abusing its power as a corporation.
From Salon ● Aug. 19, 2026
In 2016, Michael sent a cease-and-desist letter to Saks’s management explaining that his mother wasn’t of sound mind and that Kwatra was abusing his position.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 25, 2025
On Friday, the UK Competition and Markets Authority said it believed Google was abusing its dominance in the ad tech industry, according to the findings of its initial investigation.
From BBC ● Sep. 8, 2024
Botha, while acknowledging the camp was overcrowded, denied that Malawi was abusing the rights of the refugees.
From Reuters ● May 26, 2023
Here is Rocca's indignant speech to Lord Byron, who was abusing the stupidity of the Genevese.
From A Book of Sibyls Miss Barbauld, Miss Edgeworth, Mrs Opie, Miss Austen by Anne Thackeray Ritchie
