abuse / misuse
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misuse / abuse
The wrong, harmful, or unlawful use of something, for example power, trust, or substances.
Der Missbrauch von Medikamenten kann gefährliche Nebenwirkungen haben.
The misuse of medication can have dangerous side effects.
The word is made up of the prefix 'miss-' and the word 'Gebrauch' (use). The prefix 'miss-' always means that something is wrong, bad, or negative, as in 'Missverständnis' (misunderstanding) or 'Misserfolg' (failure).
Der Prozess drehte sich um den Missbrauch von Firmengeldern.
The trial centered on the misuse of company funds.
'Missbrauch' (abuse/misuse) is very often used with the preposition 'von' and the dative to describe what is being abused or misused. The structure is: 'der Missbrauch von etwas' (the abuse/misuse of something).
Der Missbrauch von persönlichen Daten muss verhindert werden.
The misuse of personal data must be prevented.
Common combinations for the general, unlawful use are 'der Missbrauch von Macht' (abuse of power), 'von Vertrauen' (of trust), 'von Alkohol' (of alcohol), or 'von Daten' (of data).
Der Film thematisiert den Machtmissbrauch in der Politik.
The film addresses the abuse of power in politics.
In combination with adjectives like 'sexuell' (sexual), 'körperlich' (physical), or 'emotional' (emotional), or with the noun 'Kindern' (children), 'Missbrauch' (abuse) refers to the serious crime of mistreatment. This context is legally and emotionally very charged.
Kindesmissbrauch ist ein schreckliches Verbrechen, das streng bestraft wird.
Child abuse is a terrible crime that is severely punished.
use / custom
'der Gebrauch' and 'der Missbrauch' both have to do with using or applying something. The important difference is the evaluation: 'Gebrauch' is neutral and means that you are simply using something. 'Missbrauch' means that something is used wrongly, harmfully, or without permission, for example power, trust, or medication. Learners may confuse the words because both talk about use. In practice: if the use is normal and allowed, 'Gebrauch' fits. If the use causes harm or goes against rules, 'Missbrauch' fits.
Der Missbrauch von Daten kann für viele Menschen gefährlich werden.
The misuse of data can become dangerous for many people.
Beim Gebrauch der Maschine tragen wir immer Handschuhe.
When using the machine, we always wear gloves.