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.
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 use
'verwenden' and 'missbrauchen' both have to do with using something for a purpose. The important difference is the evaluation. 'verwenden' is neutral: you use something appropriately, or simply for a particular purpose. 'missbrauchen' means that you use something in a wrong, bad, or harmful way, often power, trust, or a position. The words can be confused because in both meanings something is used. But 'missbrauchen' is much stronger and negative. If no harm or wrong purpose is meant, you should say 'verwenden'.
Paula missbraucht ihre Position nicht, sondern entscheidet fair.
Paula does not abuse her position, but makes fair decisions.
Die Chefin verwendet für die Präsentation neue Bilder aus dem Projekt.
The manager uses new images from the project for the presentation.