Abuses

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /əˈbjuːsɪz/

Definitions

1. Employs something in an incorrect or improper way ; treats a person or group with cruelty or unfairness ; uses harsh or insulting words towards someone
2. Misuses or handles an object or system in a way that is not intended ; behaves in a way that harms or mistreats others ; speaks or writes in an offensive or derogatory manner
3. Applies something beyond its proper limits or for wrongful purposes ; causes harm or injustice to others through unfair behavior ; directs rude or abusive language at someone

Etymology: "Abuses" is the plural of "abuse," and the plural form is the one that carries the word's wider sense. The noun comes from Latin "abūsus," the past participle of "abūtor," which literally meant "to use up" or "to use away." Its parts are "ab," meaning "away," and "ūtor," meaning "to use," so the original idea was of using something until it was spent or using it wrongly. The word reached English through Middle English "abusen," which was borrowed from Middle French "abuser" and ultimately drew on that Latin root. Its meanings split over time: one line of sense stayed close to the physical idea of misusing a thing, as with a misused tool or a misused system, while another moved toward mistreating people, and a third concerned offensive or insulting speech. Plural "abuses" usually points to particular instances of these behaviours rather than the general idea.

Synonyms: mistreatment, misuse, exploitation, maltreatment, abuse

Antonyms: care, protection, safeguarding, support, defense