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abuso

ah-BOO-sohaˈβuso

“abuso” means “misuse” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

misuse, overuse

Also: excess
NounmB1
A storybook illustration showing a child carelessly wasting water from an overflowing faucet, letting it run onto the ground while ignoring a thirsty potted plant nearby.

📝 In Action

El abuso de antibióticos puede ser peligroso.

B1

The overuse of antibiotics can be dangerous.

Hay un abuso de sal en esta sopa.

A2

There is an excessive amount (overuse) of salt in this soup.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • exceso (excess)
  • despilfarro (waste)

Antonyms

  • moderación (moderation)

Common Collocations

  • abuso de confianza – abuse of trust

abuse

Also: violation
NounmC1formal
A storybook illustration of an overloaded, small donkey struggling to pull a cart piled high with boxes, representing exploitation.

📝 In Action

La organización denunció el abuso infantil.

B2

The organization reported child abuse.

El director fue acusado de abuso de autoridad.

C1

The director was accused of abuse of authority (misuse of power).

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • maltrato (mistreatment)
  • explotación (exploitation)

Antonyms

  • protección (protection)

Common Collocations

  • abuso sexual – sexual abuse
  • abuso de poder – abuse of power

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "abuso" in Spanish:

abuse→excess→misuse→overuse→violation→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: abuso

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'abuso' in the sense of 'overuse' rather than 'mistreatment'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
abusar(to misuse, to abuse) — Verb
abusivo(abusive, excessive) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word *abūsus*, which was the past form of the verb *abūtī*, meaning 'to use up' or 'to misuse.' It entered Spanish with the meaning of using something incorrectly or excessively.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: abusoItalian: abuso

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'abuso' always a negative word?

Yes, 'abuso' always carries a negative meaning, implying that something has been used incorrectly, excessively, or cruelly. Even in its milder sense (overuse), it suggests a mistake or harmful excess.