Spanish Conversation · Level 24
88 words
Spanish word
abuso
Pronunciation
IPA/aˈβuso/
Meaning
- masculine nounabuse
Example
El abuso de alcohol es un problema serio.
Alcohol abuse is a serious problem.
More examples
El abuso de poder suele generar protestas ciudadanas.
Abuse of power tends to generate public protests.
Core concept
Excessive use or taking advantage that causes harm or injustice.
Common phrases
abuso de poder
abuse of power
abuso emocional
emotional abuse
abuso de confianza
abuse of trust
Similar words
maltrato: Abusive physical or emotional treatment that deeply harms a person.
explotación: Systematic unfair use of people or resources to extract benefit.
uso excesivo: Use of something (such as drugs) more often or longer than is safe.
exceso: A quantity or level that surpasses what is reasonable or allowed.
Definition in Spanish
Exceso en el uso o aprovechamiento de algo o alguien, con connotación de daño o injusticia.
Word origin
From Latin abusus, the past participle of abutor (ab- 'away' + uti 'to use'), originally meaning use beyond proper limits.
Usage tips
- Abuso is a relatively strong, often formal term used in legal or serious contexts, while speakers often use exceso or demasiado for milder overuse and the verb usually appears as abusar de + object.