abuso
nounCEFR B2
What does “abuso” mean in English?
abuse, misuse
abuse, misuse (the harmful or unjust use of something, especially power, trust, or a substance; abuso de poder/autoridad)
Example sentences
El abuso de posición dominante en el mercado está perseguido por la legislación antimonopolio de la UE.
The abuse of a dominant market position is prosecuted under EU competition law.
Reconocer el abuso cuando se produce dentro del entorno familiar sigue siendo un reto para los sistemas de protección.
Recognising abuse when it occurs within the family setting remains a challenge for protection systems.
El estudio señala que el abuso de pantallas en menores está correlacionado con trastornos del sueño.
The study notes that excessive screen use among children is correlated with sleep disorders.
How to use it
El abuso (noun, masculine) means 'abuse, misuse, excess' — the harmful, unjust, or excessive use of something (power, a substance, a person's trust). Core B2 collocations: abuso de poder/autoridad/confianza; abuso sexual/físico/verbal; el abuso de alcohol/drogas; cometer/sufrir un abuso. The verb form is abusar de: abusan de su posición. Don't equate with insulto (verbal offence) or violencia (physical violence) — abuso is broader and includes systemic or relational patterns.
Common mistake
Abuso de (misuse/abuse of) is always followed by a noun, never an infinitive. 'To abuse someone' = abusar de alguien (not *abusarle a alguien). Don't confuse abuso (the act/pattern) with maltrato (mistreatment — more physical/domestic). In English 'verbal abuse' = insultos or maltrato verbal, but abuso verbal is also used at B2 level.