child abuse

noun

1. mistreatment of a child by a parent or guardian, including neglect, beating, and sexual molestation.

child abuse

noun

1. See nonaccidental injury
   physical, sexual, or emotional ill-treatment or neglect of a child, esp by those responsible for its welfare See also nonaccidental injury

Word History and Origins

Origin of child abuse¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

It needs to be said: bigotry in the name of religion is still bigotry; child abuse wrapped in a Bible verse is still child abuse.

From The Daily Beast

There are 17 states with laws that consider drug abuse during pregnancy a form of child abuse.

From The Daily Beast

South Carolina and Alabama courts have already ruled late-pregnancy substance abuse can be considered a form of child abuse.

From The Daily Beast

Nor could they find 114 files related to another investigation of child abuse between 1979 and 1999.

From The Daily Beast

Larry Smith, an Iraq war veteran running for a congressional seat in Texas thinks President Obama should be sued for child abuse.

From The Daily Beast

Sometimes the specialists are imposed when society perceives a need to intervene, especially in cases of suspected child abuse.

From Project Gutenberg