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abuse

[/əˈbjuːs/ (noun), /əˈbjuːz/ (verb)]
noun/verbmasculine (noun)pl: abuses
abuso
1. (noun) cruel or violent treatment of a person or animal
The child suffered years of abuse.
A criança sofreu anos de abuso.
2. (noun) improper or excessive use of something
Drug abuse is a serious problem.
O abuso de drogas é um problema grave.
3. (noun) rude or insulting language
He hurled abuse at the referee.
Ele dirigiu insultos ao árbitro.
4. (verb) to treat with cruelty or violence
They were arrested for abusing animals.
Foram presos por abusarem de animais.
5. (verb) to use improperly or excessively
Don't abuse your privileges.
Não abuse de seus privilégios.
Synonyms
mistreatmentmaltreatmentcrueltymisuseexploitation
Antonyms
careprotectionproper use

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
abuso
standard term used throughout Brazil
São Paulo
abuso
no regional variation
Rio de Janeiro
abuso
no regional variation
Portugal
abuso
standard term; 'mau trato' also used for physical abuse

Related Idioms & Phrases

abuse of power - abuso de poder
substance abuse - abuso de substâncias
take abuse - sofrer abuso/insultos
heap abuse on someone - cobrir alguém de insultos
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