abuse
Cruel or violent treatment
Abuse is true to its roots in nearly all meanings: it’s a mash-up of ab- (away, off) and use.
The various senses of abuse, whether noun or verb, have to do with using someone or something wrongly, in a way that is bad for the abuser (substance abuse), the abused (animal abuse), or both.
Where people are the object and without further context, abuse typically stands for physical or sexual abuse of a woman or child by a family member.
Criminal unwanted sexual contact
- rapeOilseed brassica crop
- assaultViolent offensive act
- harassmentAggressive, unwanted targeting
- exploitationSelfish use of others
grooming · coercion · incest · predator · violation · inappropriate · unwanted · survivor
Power to enforce obedience
- controlAuthority to direct
- tyrannyOppressive, absolute governance
- dominanceSuperior influence over others
- corruptionDishonest abuse of power
coercion · intimidation · overreach · autocratic · despotic · dictatorial · oppressive · bullying
Underhanded control of others
- gaslightingManipulation causing self-doubt
- controlAuthority to direct
- isolationComplete separation from others
- coercionPressured compliance through threats
psychological · mental · degradation · shame · guilt-tripping · invalidation · withholding · silent treatment
Disparaging remarks
- yellingVocalization at maximum volume
- screamingLoud, shrill vocalizing
- belittlingExpressing contempt or dismissiveness
- name-callingHurling insults at others
mocking · ridicule · humiliation · degradation · threats · intimidation · berating · cursing
Violent offensive act
- batteryPortable electricity storage
- beatingRepeated striking or pulsing
- violenceHarmful physical force
- bruisesDiscolored skin from impact
wounds · injury · trauma · hitting · punching · kicking · slapping · choking
Improper application
- taking advantageBenefiting from circumstances
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
- predatoryExploiting the vulnerable
- fraudIntentional criminal trickery
scam · extortion · swindling · profiteering · victimization · coercion · power imbalance · vulnerability
Failure to provide care
- maltreatmentCruel or harmful treatment
- endangermentCausing risk of harm
- CPSAgency investigating family abuse
- fosterEncourage development of
protective services · mandatory reporting · pediatric · parental · guardian · custody · intervention · safeguarding
Compulsive substance reliance
- drugsTherapeutic chemical compounds
- alcoholIntoxicating hydroxyl compound
- overdoseHarmful excess intake
- dependenceState of needing another
misuse · alcoholism · narcotics · opioids · withdrawal · intoxication · binge · relapse
Of formal establishments
- discriminationUnjust differential treatment
- oppressionUnjust exercise of power
- injusticeDenial of fair treatment
- persecutionSystematic mistreatment of groups
human rights · civil rights · racism · sexism · ageism · ableism · marginalization · disenfranchisement
molestation
Criminal unwanted sexual contact
- rapeOilseed brassica crop
- assaultViolent offensive act
- harassmentAggressive, unwanted targeting
exploitation · grooming · coercion · incest · predator · violation · inappropriate · unwanted · survivor · victim
authority
Power to enforce obedience
- controlAuthority to direct
- tyrannyOppressive, absolute governance
- dominanceSuperior influence over others
corruption · coercion · intimidation · overreach · autocratic · despotic · dictatorial · oppressive · bullying · workplace
manipulation
Underhanded control of others
- gaslightingManipulation causing self-doubt
- controlAuthority to direct
- isolationComplete separation from others
coercion · psychological · mental · degradation · shame · guilt-tripping · invalidation · withholding · silent treatment · mind games
insults
Disparaging remarks
- yellingVocalization at maximum volume
- screamingLoud, shrill vocalizing
- belittlingExpressing contempt or dismissiveness
name-calling · mocking · ridicule · humiliation · degradation · threats · intimidation · berating · cursing · taunting
assault
Violent offensive act
- batteryPortable electricity storage
- beatingRepeated striking or pulsing
- violenceHarmful physical force
bruises · wounds · injury · trauma · hitting · punching · kicking · slapping · choking · shoving
misuse
Improper application
- taking advantageBenefiting from circumstances
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
- predatoryExploiting the vulnerable
fraud · scam · extortion · swindling · profiteering · victimization · coercion · power imbalance · vulnerability · grooming
neglect
Failure to provide care
- maltreatmentCruel or harmful treatment
- endangermentCausing risk of harm
- CPSAgency investigating family abuse
foster · protective services · mandatory reporting · pediatric · parental · guardian · custody · intervention · safeguarding · vulnerable
addiction
Compulsive substance reliance
- drugsTherapeutic chemical compounds
- alcoholIntoxicating hydroxyl compound
- overdoseHarmful excess intake
dependence · misuse · alcoholism · narcotics · opioids · withdrawal · intoxication · binge · relapse · rehab
institutional
Of formal establishments
- discriminationUnjust differential treatment
- oppressionUnjust exercise of power
- injusticeDenial of fair treatment
persecution · human rights · civil rights · racism · sexism · ageism · ableism · marginalization · disenfranchisement · inequality
- aggressionhostility, violence, attack, fight, combativeness
- crimesarson, burglary, robbery, kidnapping, vandalism
- injusticeinjustice, inequality, discrimination, bias, prejudice
- social issuesinequality, racism, poverty, illiteracy, homelessness
- wrongdoingmisconduct, crime, sabotage, crimes, misbehavior
- causes of damagestress, trauma, pollution, neglect, infection
abusepraise
Expression of approval
compliment · acclaim · commendation · adulation · honor
abusestewardship
Responsible care of entrusted things
moderation · restraint · respect · benefit · conservation
- drug abuseHarmful use of drugs
- domestic abuseHarm by household member
- verbal abuseHarmful speech targeting someone
- child abuseHarm inflicted on minors
- physical abuseIntentional bodily harm
- abuse of powerMisusing entrusted authority
abused, abusive, abuser, abuses, abusing, disabuse, abusers, disabused, abusable