abuso
/ah-BOO-soh/
misuse
When referring to the misuse of resources or privileges, abuso translates to misuse.
abuso(noun)
misuse
?of resources or privileges
,overuse
?excessive use
excess
?too much of something
📝 In Action
El abuso de antibióticos puede ser peligroso.
B1The overuse of antibiotics can be dangerous.
Hay un abuso de sal en esta sopa.
A2There is an excessive amount (overuse) of salt in this soup.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'de' with Abuso
You almost always use the small connecting word 'de' (of) after 'abuso' to specify what is being misused: 'abuso de poder' (abuse of power), 'abuso de drogas' (drug abuse).
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal
While 'abuso' is often used in serious contexts, it can also describe simple overindulgence, like eating too much cake: 'Cometí un abuso de chocolate' (I committed an abuse of chocolate—meaning I ate too much).
In the context of mistreatment or exploitation, abuso translates to abuse.
📝 In Action
La organización denunció el abuso infantil.
B2The organization reported child abuse.
El director fue acusado de abuso de autoridad.
C1The director was accused of abuse of authority (misuse of power).
💡 Grammar Points
Noun/Adjective Combinations
When using 'abuso' in a serious context, it is almost always followed by an adjective or another noun (connected by 'de') to specify the type of mistreatment: 'abuso verbal', 'abuso físico'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: abuso
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'abuso' in the sense of 'overuse' rather than 'mistreatment'?
📚 More Resources
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.