abus
/a.by/masculine
The English word 'abuse' can be translated into French as abus, referring to physical maltreatment.
abus is a masculine noun. The phrase abus de pouvoir is a common collocation used to describe the misuse of authority or office. The term maltraitance is a formal way to say 'abuse' in French, specifically referring to mistreatment or ill-treatment. To describe the action of mistreating a child, you can use the phrase Maltraiter un enfant or the phrase Exercer des violences to mean 'to exert violence'.
Meaning: physical maltreatment (noun)
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/a.by/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly add an 'e' at the end of the word, but the French noun is spelled abus.
Did you know?
- The verb abuser is commonly used in a non-violent, hyperbolic way to say someone is 'pushing it' or 'going too far', such as tu abuses !
- In a culinary context, if a chef is accused of an abus, it might not mean physical harm, but rather that they have gone overboard with an ingredient like salt or butter.
- In French law, abus de confiance is a specific legal term for 'breach of trust' or embezzlement, which is distinct from physical maltreatment.
Examples in context
- C'est un abus de pouvoir.That's an abuse of authority.This sentence illustrates the phrase abus in the context of an abuse of authority.Tatoeba #4534354 by Sisyphe, translation #4529754 by CK
- L'abus d'alcool chez les jeunes est un grave problème.The abuse of alcohol among young people is a serious problem.This sentence shows the use of abus regarding the abuse of alcohol.Tatoeba #3272414 by Micsmithel, translation #3272413 by DJ_Saidez
- Jusqu'à quand, Catilina, abuseras-tu de notre patience ?How long, O Catiline, will you abuse our patience?This sentence uses a conjugated form of the related verb abuser to mean abusing patience.Tatoeba #1626820 by Rovo, translation #1626988 by al_ex_an_der
- La maltraitance des enfants est un crime qui ne doit pas être toléré.Child abuse is a crime that should not be tolerated.
- La victime souffre de mauvais traitements de la part de ses camarades de classe.The victim is suffering from abuse from their classmates.
- Les animaux ne devraient jamais subir de sévices .Animals should never be subjected to abuse.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a news report about child protection.
- ManonCet article parle d'un cas d'abus physique.This article talks about a case of physical abuse.
- GabrielC'est vraiment terrible pour l'enfant.That is truly terrible for the child.
- ManonL'abus doit être puni par la loi.Abuse must be punished by the law.
- GabrielJe suis d'accord avec toi, Manon.I agree with you, Manon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “abuse” translations and entries abus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
