🇬🇧 Abuse meaning: English Vocabulary Flash Card

“Abuse” is when someone uses a person, an animal, an object, or power in a way that is harmful, unfair, or wrong on purpose. It can mean hurting someone’s body or feelings again and again, or using things in a way they were never meant to be used, especially if it causes damage or pain.

My lunchbox complained of smell abuse after I forgot a tuna sandwich in it for two weeks and accidentally invented a new life-form.

The alarm clock claimed serious button abuse when I hit snooze seven times with one very grumpy finger.

My goldfish stared at me like I was guilty of snack abuse when I dropped one flake instead of three.

The sofa reported serious pillow abuse after my little brother used every cushion for a dramatic slow-motion wrestling match.

Our cat meowed about laser-pointer abuse after chasing the red dot in circles until it needed a snack break and a therapist.

Tom saw a boy shout at and hit a small dog; he cried, "Stop the abuse!" A woman called the police. The police said abuse was wrong, abuse hurt the dog, and the dog must leave the home. Neighbors took the dog away from the abuse to a safe room. The boy stood alone and felt shame at the abuse.

This word is at the B2 level, which means it’s used in more complex conversations and texts. It helps you discuss abstract ideas, express opinions clearly, and engage in discussions on a variety of topics, both personal and professional.

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