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Citation Information
How to Cite
Manser, Martin H. "abuse/misuse." Writer's Reference Center. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 18 Apr. 2025. <http://fofweb.infobase.com/wrc/Detail.aspx?iPin=GTGW065>.
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abuse/misuse

Definition 
Abuse and misuse are close in meaning, but there is a distinction between them. Abuse implies deliberately wrong or improper treatment of someone or something (substance abuse, child abuse), while misuse merely describes incorrect or unorthodox use, either intentional or unintentional (misuse of the equipment, misuse of their opportunities). Note also that as a verb misuse rarely applies to treatment of people, whereas abuse may:

His parents abused him as a child.

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