abusage

Definition

Synonym of abuse.

Etymology

From abuse + -age. First appeared in Middle English, c. 1450–1475, meaning “sexual misconduct”: cf. abuse (“forcing of undesired sexual activity”). Later in the 16th century, a general synonym of abuse. The word was partly repopularized after the appearance of a grammar titled Usage and Abusage: A Guide to Good English in 1942.

Example Sentences

• "We will trace the history of the term’s usage and abusage."
• "The usage and abusage of land originally covered with southern temperate grassland has led in all four regions to profound changes in floristic composition of the modified vegetation. Invasions of pest animals and introduced weeds have followed, often with disastrous consequences […]"
• "She loved her papa, Hans Hubermann, and even her foster mother, despite the bucketings, abusages and verbal assaults."