Abuse

Form of mistreatment involving improper use or handling.

mistreatment maltreatment

Abuse is a form of mistreatment that involves improper use or handling. It can encompass physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, and financial harm.

/əˈbjuːs/

From Old French abuser, from abousser (to push out of the way), from ab- + -ousser (to press, force).

ill-treatment exploitation harm

harm mistreatment

physical abuse emotional abuse verbal abuse sexual abuse financial abuse

violence harm

psychological concept social issue