Abusement vs. Abuse: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss & Janet White || Updated on May 23, 2024
Abusement refers to the state or condition of being abused, while abuse is the act or practice of causing harm or suffering to someone.
Key Differences
Abusement describes the condition or state resulting from being abused. It encompasses the ongoing effects and experiences of abuse, focusing on the resultant state of the victim. This term is less commonly used but highlights the prolonged impact of abusive behavior on an individual. Abuse, on the other hand, is the act of causing harm, suffering, or exploitation to another person. It includes physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological maltreatment. The term is widely recognized and used to describe various forms of mistreatment and harmful actions perpetrated by one person against another.
Abusement emphasizes the aftermath and continuous impact of abuse on the victim's mental, emotional, and physical state. It is more about the victim's experience of being in an abusive situation. Abuse focuses on the perpetrator's actions and the harmful behavior itself. It covers a wide range of behaviors, from verbal insults to physical violence, and is the term commonly used in legal and social contexts.
In discussions about domestic violence, abusement may refer to the sustained trauma and distress experienced by victims, while abuse highlights the actions of the abuser.
Both terms are important in understanding the dynamics of harmful relationships. Abusement provides insight into the victim's enduring suffering, whereas abuse addresses the behaviors that cause this suffering.
Comparison Chart
Definition
State of being abused
Act of causing harm
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Focus
Resultant condition of the victim
Perpetrator's harmful actions
Usage
Less common
Widely recognized
Emphasis
Prolonged impact
Specific actions causing harm
Context
Victim's experience
Abuser's behavior
Abusement and Abuse Definitions
Abusement
The state of enduring abuse.
Her silence was a sign of deep abusement.
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Abuse
The act of causing harm or suffering.
He faced charges for child abuse.
Abusement
The condition resulting from being abused.
The abusement she suffered left her emotionally scarred.
Abuse
Exploitation or mistreatment of another person.
Financial abuse often targets vulnerable individuals.
Abusement
The aftermath of abusive experiences.
The abusement experienced in childhood affected his adult relationships.
Abuse
Harmful actions by one person against another.
She left the relationship to escape the abuse.
Abusement
The prolonged impact of abusive actions.
Living in a state of abusement, he struggled to regain his confidence.
Abuse
To use improperly or excessively; misuse
Abuse alcohol.
Abuse a privilege.
Abusement
The continuous suffering from abuse.
Years of abusement took a toll on his mental health.
Abuse
To hurt or injure by maltreatment; ill-use
Animals that were abused by a negligent owner.
Abusement
Abuse.
Abuse
To force sexual activity on; rape or molest.
Abusement
(obsolete) A misleading.
Abuse
To assail with insulting or hurtful words; revile.
Abuse
(Obsolete) To deceive or trick.
Abuse
Improper or excessive use; misuse
Abuse of authority.
Drug abuse.
Abuse
Rough treatment or use
Shoes that have taken a lot of abuse.
Abuse
Physical maltreatment or violence
Spousal abuse.
Abuse
Sexual abuse.
Abuse
Insulting or hurtful language, especially when used to threaten or demoralize
Subjected her subordinates to verbal abuse.
Abuse
An unjust or wrongful practice
A government that commits abuses against its citizens.
Abuse
Improper treatment or usage; application to a wrong or bad purpose; an unjust, corrupt or wrongful practice or custom.
All abuse, whether physical, verbal, psychological or sexual, is bad.
Human rights abuses.
Abuse
Misuse; improper use; perversion.
Abuse
(obsolete) A delusion; an imposture; misrepresentation; deception.
Abuse
Coarse, insulting speech; abusive language; language that unjustly or angrily vilifies.
Abuse
Catachresis.
Abuse
Physical maltreatment; injury; cruel treatment.
Abuse
Violation; defilement; rape; forcing of undesired sexual activity by one person on another, often on a repeated basis.
Abuse
(transitive) To put to a wrong use; to misapply; to use improperly; to misuse; to use for a wrong purpose or end; to pervert
He abused his authority.
Abuse
(transitive) To injure; to maltreat; to hurt; to treat with cruelty, especially repeatedly.
Abuse
(transitive) To attack with coarse language; to insult; to revile; malign; to speak in an offensive manner to or about someone; to disparage.
Abuse
(transitive) To imbibe a drug for a purpose other than it was intended; to intentionally take more of a drug than was prescribed for recreational reasons; to take illegal drugs habitually.
Abuse
To violate; defile; to rape; (reflexive) to masturbate.
Abuse
Misrepresent; adulterate.
Abuse
To deceive; to trick; to impose on; misuse the confidence of.
Abuse
Disuse.
Abuse
To put to a wrong use; to misapply; to misuse; to put to a bad use; to use for a wrong purpose or end; to pervert; as, to abuse inherited gold; to make an excessive use of; as, to abuse one's authority.
This principle (if one may so abuse the word) shoots rapidly into popularity.
Abuse
To use ill; to maltreat; to act injuriously to; to punish or to tax excessively; to hurt; as, to abuse prisoners, to abuse one's powers, one's patience.
Abuse
To revile; to reproach coarsely; to disparage.
The . . . tellers of news abused the general.
Abuse
To dishonor.
Abuse
To violate; to ravish.
Abuse
To deceive; to impose on.
Their eyes red and staring, cozened with a moist cloud, and abused by a double object.
Abuse
Improper treatment or use; application to a wrong or bad purpose; misuse; as, an abuse of our natural powers; an abuse of civil rights, or of privileges or advantages; an abuse of language.
Liberty may be endangered by the abuses of liberty, as well as by the abuses of power.
Abuse
Physical ill treatment; injury.
Abuse
A corrupt practice or custom; offense; crime; fault; as, the abuses in the civil service.
Abuse after disappeared without a struggle..
Abuse
Vituperative words; coarse, insulting speech; abusive language; virulent condemnation; reviling.
The two parties, after exchanging a good deal of abuse, came to blows.
Abuse
Violation; rape; as, abuse of a female child.
Or is it some abuse, and no such thing?
Abuse
Cruel or inhumane treatment
Abuse
A rude expression intended to offend or hurt;
When a student made a stupid mistake he spared them no abuse
They yelled insults at the visiting team
Abuse
Improper or excessive use
Abuse
Treat badly;
This boss abuses his workers
She is always stepping on others to get ahead
Abuse
Change the inherent purpose or function of something;
Don't abuse the system
The director of the factory misused the funds intended for the health care of his workers
Abuse
Use foul or abusive language towards;
The actress abused the policeman who gave her a parking ticket
The angry mother shouted at the teacher
Abuse
Physical, emotional, or psychological maltreatment.
Verbal abuse can be as damaging as physical abuse.
Abuse
Any form of harmful behavior.
The organization works to prevent domestic abuse.
FAQs
Is abusement a common term?
No, abusement is less commonly used compared to abuse.
Can abusement refer to any type of abuse?
Yes, abusement can refer to the impact of any form of abuse, whether physical, emotional, or psychological.
How does abusement differ from abuse?
Abusement focuses on the victim's state resulting from abuse, while abuse refers to the harmful actions themselves.
Can abusement be used in legal contexts?
It is uncommon, as legal contexts typically use the term abuse.
What is abuse?
Abuse is the act of causing harm or suffering to someone, including physical, emotional, and psychological maltreatment.
What are signs of abusement?
Signs include emotional distress, withdrawal, anxiety, depression, and physical injuries.
How can abusement affect someone long-term?
It can lead to lasting psychological trauma, trust issues, and difficulties in relationships.
How can abuse be prevented?
Prevention involves education, support services, legal protection, and awareness campaigns.
What is abusement?
Abusement refers to the state or condition of being abused, focusing on the prolonged impact on the victim.
What are examples of abuse?
Examples include physical violence, emotional manipulation, verbal insults, and sexual exploitation.
Is abuse always intentional?
While often intentional, abuse can also occur due to negligence or ignorance.
What should someone do if they experience abuse?
Seek help from trusted individuals, contact support organizations, and consider legal action.
Can someone recover from abusement?
With proper support and therapy, individuals can recover from the effects of abusement.
Can abusement affect physical health?
Yes, prolonged stress from abusement can lead to physical health problems.
How can society support abuse victims?
Providing access to resources, legal protections, and supportive communities can help victims of abuse.
Are there different types of abuse?
Yes, including physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse.
What are the effects of emotional abuse?
Emotional abuse can lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and other mental health issues.
Why is it important to distinguish between abuse and abusement?
Understanding the distinction helps in addressing both the actions of abusers and the experiences of victims.
What is the legal definition of abuse?
Abuse is defined as intentional harm or mistreatment of another person, which can be physical, emotional, sexual, or financial.
Is abuse always visible?
No, emotional and psychological abuse may not show physical signs but can be equally damaging.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Co-written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
