abuso
/aˈbuso/masculine
The English phrase "abuse" (referring to physical maltreatment) is translated into Spanish as abuso.
Abuso is used to describe physical maltreatment. Common collocations include abuso emocional and abuso de poder (abuse of power). While abuso is a standard way to express this, the formal term Violencia (violence) can be used to encompass the broader concept of abuse. If you are specifically referring to an offense or an outrage regarding dignity or rights, the formal term Agravio may be used. For domestic violence, the term is violencia doméstica.
Meaning: physical maltreatment (noun)
Which one should you use?
The noun abuso refers to the act of abuse, whereas the related verb abusar means to hurt or to abuse. If you want to express the idea of deceiving someone, use the verb engañar.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Abuso is a masculine noun, so it is used with masculine articles such as el or un.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈbuso/
Did you know?
- While abuso refers to maltreatment, the related verb abusar is frequently used in a positive or neutral sense to mean 'to make the most of' or 'to enjoy' something in excess, such as abusar del chocolate.
- The Spanish word abuso shares the same root as the English word 'use', as both derive from the Latin ūtor, meaning 'to use'.
- In a social context, if someone says no abuses, they are often not talking about maltreatment but are telling you not to take advantage of their kindness or generosity.
Examples in context
- Me opongo a cualquier tipo de abuso.I'm against any kind of abuse.The sentence using abuso is useful for expressing opposition to any kind of abuse.Tatoeba #992908 by hayastan, translation #1312971 by marcelostockle
- Ellos están en contra del abuso animal.They're against animal abuse.The sentence using abuso is useful for stating opposition to animal abuse.Tatoeba #1385956 by marcelostockle, translation #680055 by Source_VOA
- El abuso infantil está en contra de la ley.Child abuse is against the law.The sentence using abuso is useful for noting that child abuse is against the law.Tatoeba #1178899 by marcelostockle, translation #680054 by Source_VOA
- El maltrato hacia los niños es inaceptableAbuse towards children is unacceptable
- El abuso de poder en el trabajo debe ser denunciadoAbuse of power at work should be reported
- Ella sufrió mis tratos durante añosShe endured my mistreatment for years
- Ella sufre maltrato de su parejaShe is suffering abuse from her partner
- No debes permitir ese tipo de abusoYou should not tolerate that kind of abuse
- No puedo soportar más sus malos tratosI can't bear their mistreatment anymore
- Ella sufre acoso de sus compañeros de claseShe is being abused by her classmates
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are discussing a social work case.
- ElenaEste caso de abuso es muy triste.This case of abuse is very sad.
- JavierSí, Javier está ayudando a la víctima.Yes, Javier is helping the victim.
- ElenaDebemos denunciar cualquier abuso inmediatamente.We must report any abuse immediately.
- JavierTienes razón, Elena. Es necesario.You are right, Elena. It is necessary.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “abuse” translations and entries abuso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries abuso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
