to misuse / abuse
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to misuse / abuse
To use something for a wrong, bad, or harmful purpose for which it was not intended. This often refers to power, trust, or a position.
Der Politiker hat sein Amt missbraucht, um sich und seine Freunde zu bereichern.
The politician abused his office to enrich himself and his friends.
to abuse
To sexually, physically, or emotionally mistreat and exploit a person.
Der Täter wurde verurteilt, weil er über Jahre hinweg Kinder sexuell missbraucht hat.
The perpetrator was convicted because he had sexually abused children over many years.
The verb is made up of the prefix 'miss-' and the verb 'brauchen' (to need / to use). The prefix 'miss-' always means that something is done wrongly, badly, or negatively.
Ein Missverständnis ist, wenn man etwas falsch versteht.
A misunderstanding is when you understand something incorrectly.
Verbs with the prefix 'miss-' are always inseparable. This means the prefix remains firmly attached to the verb in all sentence forms and tenses.
Er hat seine Position missbraucht.
He abused his position.
The verb 'missbrauchen' (to misuse / abuse) always requires a direct object in the accusative. You ask: Whom or what is being misused or abused?
Sie missbrauchte ihre Macht für persönliche Vorteile.
She abused her power for personal advantages.
'Missbrauchen' (to misuse / abuse) is a very strong word with an exclusively negative meaning. It describes not just incorrect use, but always a morally or legally reprehensible act.
Drogen zu missbrauchen kann schwere gesundheitliche Folgen haben.
Abusing drugs can have serious health consequences.
In this meaning, 'missbrauchen' (to misuse / abuse) is often used with abstract nouns such as 'Macht' (power), 'Vertrauen' (trust), 'Amt' (office), or 'Titel' (title).
Es ist verboten, seinen Titel als Arzt für Werbung zu missbrauchen.
It is forbidden to misuse one's title as a doctor for advertising.
to rape / violate
Both verbs can refer to sexual violence against a person. Vergewaltigen is more specific: it emphasizes forcing someone into sexual acts through violence or threats. Missbrauchen is broader and refers to sexually, physically, or emotionally abusing a person, even without this particular focus.
Der Trainer missbrauchte sein Vertrauen und die Abhängigkeit des jungen Sportlers sexuell.
The coach sexually abused the young athlete, taking advantage of his trust and dependence.
Der Täter vergewaltigte die Frau, nachdem er sie mit einem Messer bedroht hatte.
The perpetrator raped the woman after threatening her with a knife.
