Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Subjected to cruel or violent treatment: Refers to a person or animal that has been treated with cruelty, violence, or injustice.
   • Used improperly or excessively: Refers to a substance, object, or concept that has been misused, overused, or employed in a harmful way.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Subjected to cruel treatment):
  • The rescued dog was clearly abused and needed gentle care.
  • She provided shelter for abused women and children.
• Adjective (Used improperly):
  • The term "freedom" is an often abused concept in political speeches.
  • Abused prescription drugs are a significant public health concern.

Advanced Usage

• "abused and neglected": A common legal and social services phrase describing someone, especially a child, who has suffered both active maltreatment and a failure to receive proper care.
  • The court's priority is the welfare of abused and neglected children.
• "sexually abused": Specifically refers to a person who has been subjected to sexual violence or exploitation.
  • The organization offers counseling for sexually abused individuals.

Variants and Related Words

• Abuse (noun): Cruel and violent treatment of a person or animal; the improper use of something.
  • Child abuse is a serious crime.
  • Drug abuse can lead to addiction.
• Abuse (verb): To use something to bad effect or for a bad purpose; to treat with cruelty or violence.
  • He never abuses his authority as a manager.
  • It is unacceptable to abuse an animal.
• Abuser (noun): A person who abuses someone or something.
  • The program aims to rehabilitate substance abusers.

Synonyms

• Mistreated: Treated badly.
• Maltreated: Treated cruelly or violently.
• Misused: Used incorrectly or improperly.
• Exploited: Used unfairly for someone's own advantage.

Related Phrases

• Cycle of abuse: A pattern in which abusive behavior is repeated across generations or within relationships.
  • Breaking the cycle of abuse requires intervention and support.
• Substance abuse: The harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs.
  • The clinic specializes in treating substance abuse.

Adjective

1. subjected to cruel treatment
   • an abused wife
2. used improperly or excessively especially drugs
   • an abused substance