TERMIUM Plus®
From: Translation Bureau
On social media
Consult the Government of Canada’s terminology data bank.
ABUSE [7 records]
Record 1 - internal organization data 2025-02-10
Record 1, English
Record 1, Subject field(s)
- Medication
- Drugs and Drug Addiction
Record 1, Main entry term, English
- nonmedical use
1, record 1, English, nonmedical%20use
correct
Record 1, Abbreviations, English
Record 1, Synonyms, English
- non-medical use 2, record 1, English, non%2Dmedical%20use
correct
- misuse 3, record 1, English, misuse
- abuse 4, record 1, English, abuse
avoid, pejorative
Record 1, Textual support, English
Record number: 1, Textual support number: 1 CONT
Misuse of prescription drugs means taking a medication in a manner or dose other than prescribed; taking someone else's prescription, even if for a legitimate medical complaint such as pain; or taking a medication to feel euphoria (i.e., to get high). The term nonmedical use of prescription drugs also refers to these categories of misuse. 1, record 1, English, - nonmedical%20use
Record 1, French
Record 1, Domaine(s)
- Médicaments
- Drogues et toxicomanie
Record 1, Main entry term, French
- usage non médical
1, record 1, French, usage%20non%20m%C3%A9dical
correct, masculine noun
Record 1, Abbreviations, French
Record 1, Synonyms, French
- utilisation non médicale 2, record 1, French, utilisation%20non%20m%C3%A9dicale
correct, feminine noun
- usage à des fins non médicales 3, record 1, French, usage%20%C3%A0%20des%20fins%20non%20m%C3%A9dicales
correct, masculine noun
- utilisation à des fins non médicales 4, record 1, French, utilisation%20%C3%A0%20des%20fins%20non%20m%C3%A9dicales
correct, feminine noun
- mésusage 5, record 1, French, m%C3%A9susage
masculine noun
- abus 6, record 1, French, abus
avoid, masculine noun, pejorative
Record 1, Textual support, French
Record number: 1, Textual support number: 1 CONT
L'utilisation non médicale des médicaments stimulants disponibles sous ordonnance, c'est-à-dire leur consommation par des individus qui ne détiennent pas de prescription et qui utilisent ces médicaments hors de leurs indications thérapeutiques pour améliorer leur performance, a surtout été documentée chez les populations étudiantes. 2, record 1, French, - usage%20non%20m%C3%A9dical
Record 1, Spanish
Record 1, Campo(s) temático(s)
- Medicamentos
- Drogas y toxicomanía
Record 1, Main entry term, Spanish
- abuso de medicamentos
1, record 1, Spanish, abuso%20de%20medicamentos
correct, masculine noun
Record 1, Abbreviations, Spanish
Record 1, Synonyms, Spanish
- uso incorrecto 1, record 1, Spanish, uso%20incorrecto
masculine noun
Record 1, Textual support, Spanish
Record number: 1, Textual support number: 1 OBS
Se debe distinguir entre el consumo y el abuso. A partir del momento en que el uso se haga excesivo o indebido, estaremos hablando de abuso. Sin embargo, la distinción se pierde cuando nos referimos a sustancias cuyo consumo ya representa un uso indebido y es por eso común ver consumo, uso y abuso utilizados como sinónimos. 2, record 1, Spanish, - abuso%20de%20medicamentos
Record 2 - internal organization data 2025-01-23
Record 2, English
Record 2, Subject field(s)
- Offences and crimes
- Family Law (common law)
- Social Problems
- Sociology of the Family
Record 2, Main entry term, English
- abuse
1, record 2, English, abuse
correct, noun
Record 2, Abbreviations, English
Record 2, Synonyms, English
- maltreatment 2, record 2, English, maltreatment
correct
- mistreatment 3, record 2, English, mistreatment
avoid, see observation
Record 2, Textual support, English
Record number: 2, Textual support number: 1 CONT
It is called abuse anytime people use their ability or influence to limit or control your rights and freedoms. The relationship is not equal because you are afraid that if you speak up or take action, you will be threatened, hurt, or the relationship will end. Abuse is never your fault. 4, record 2, English, - abuse
Record number: 2, Textual support number: 1 OBS
mistreatment: Although the term "mistreatment" is sometimes used for this concept, it should be avoided as a synonym of "abuse," because according to some authors, "mistreatment" has a broader scope than "abuse." 5, record 2, English, - abuse
Record 2, French
Record 2, Domaine(s)
- Infractions et crimes
- Droit de la famille (common law)
- Problèmes sociaux
- Sociologie de la famille
Record 2, Main entry term, French
- maltraitance
1, record 2, French, maltraitance
correct, feminine noun
Record 2, Abbreviations, French
Record 2, Synonyms, French
- mauvais traitement 1, record 2, French, mauvais%20traitement
correct, see observation, masculine noun
- abus 2, record 2, French, abus
avoid, see observation, masculine noun
Record 2, Textual support, French
Record number: 2, Textual support number: 1 CONT
Au début de la relation, S. T. tente de se défendre lorsque l'accusé use de violence envers elle, mais celle-ci comprend rapidement que plus elle argumente, plus il est violent. Cette maltraitance entraîne des marques de violence évidentes qui l'empêchent de travailler. Comme elle génère moins de revenus, le cycle recommence. 3, record 2, French, - maltraitance
Record number: 2, Textual support number: 1 OBS
mauvais traitement : désignation habituellement utilisée au pluriel pour désigner des actes concrets. 4, record 2, French, - maltraitance
Record number: 2, Textual support number: 2 OBS
abus : Bien qu'il soit présent dans l'usage, le terme «abus» est à éviter dans le sens de «maltraitance», car «abus» signifie notamment excès. 4, record 2, French, - maltraitance
Record 2, Key term(s)
- mauvais traitements
Record 2, Spanish
Record 2, Textual support, Spanish
Record 3 - internal organization data 2024-12-23
Record 3, English
Record 3, Subject field(s)
- Offences and crimes
- Family Law (common law)
- Social Problems
- Sociology of the Family
Record 3, Main entry term, English
- abuse
1, record 3, English, abuse
correct, verb
Record 3, Abbreviations, English
Record 3, Synonyms, English
- maltreat 2, record 3, English, maltreat
correct, verb
Record 3, Textual support, English
Record number: 3, Textual support number: 1 CONT
... evidence that the offender, in committing the offence, abused the offender's intimate partner or a member of the victim or the offender's family ... 3, record 3, English, - abuse
Record 3, French
Record 3, Domaine(s)
- Infractions et crimes
- Droit de la famille (common law)
- Problèmes sociaux
- Sociologie de la famille
Record 3, Main entry term, French
- maltraiter
1, record 3, French, maltraiter
correct, verb
Record 3, Abbreviations, French
Record 3, Synonyms, French
Record 3, Textual support, French
Record 3, Spanish
Record 3, Campo(s) temático(s)
- Infracciones y crímenes
- Derecho de familia (common law)
- Problemas sociales
- Sociología de la familia
Record 3, Main entry term, Spanish
- abusar
1, record 3, Spanish, abusar
proposal
Record 3, Abbreviations, Spanish
Record 3, Synonyms, Spanish
Record 3, Textual support, Spanish
Record number: 3, Textual support number: 1 DEF
Lesionar la integridad física, social, sexual o emocional. Se incluye en esta definición toda acción que intenta controlar y coartar la libertad. 1, record 3, Spanish, - abusar
Record 4 - internal organization data 2024-11-25
Record 4, English
Record 4, Subject field(s)
- PAJLO
- Offences and crimes
- Family Law (common law)
- Social Problems
Record 4, Main entry term, English
- abuse
1, record 4, English, abuse
correct, noun
Record 4, Abbreviations, English
Record 4, Synonyms, English
- maltreatment 2, record 4, English, maltreatment
correct
Record 4, Textual support, English
Record number: 4, Textual support number: 1 CONT
"Abuse" may or may not have a physical dimension. It is a pattern of conduct – verbal, physical or sexual – that targets and undermines another person's self-esteem and emotional well-being. It can include exertion of domination and control by humiliating, belittling, denigrating, intimidating, controlling, or isolating. 3, record 4, English, - abuse
Record 4, French
Record 4, Domaine(s)
- PAJLO
- Infractions et crimes
- Droit de la famille (common law)
- Problèmes sociaux
Record 4, Main entry term, French
- maltraitance
1, record 4, French, maltraitance
correct, feminine noun, standardized
Record 4, Abbreviations, French
Record 4, Synonyms, French
Record 4, Textual support, French
Record number: 4, Textual support number: 1 OBS
maltraitance : désignation normalisée par le Comité de normalisation, Promotion de l'accès à la justice dans les deux langues officielles (PAJLO). 2, record 4, French, - maltraitance
Record 4, Spanish
Record 4, Textual support, Spanish
Record 5 - internal organization data 2023-05-02
Record 5, English
Record 5, Subject field(s)
- Drugs and Drug Addiction
Record 5, Main entry term, English
- use
1, record 5, English, use
see observation, noun
Record 5, Abbreviations, English
Record 5, Synonyms, English
- harmful use 2, record 5, English, harmful%20use
see observation
- hazardous use 2, record 5, English, hazardous%20use
see observation
- problematic use 3, record 5, English, problematic%20use
see observation
- risky use 2, record 5, English, risky%20use
see observation
- abuse 4, record 5, English, abuse
avoid, noun, pejorative
- misuse 5, record 5, English, misuse
avoid, noun, pejorative
Record 5, Textual support, English
Record number: 5, Textual support number: 1 CONT
... it's more likely that someone will use substances that are legally and/or readily available (like alcohol and tobacco). This increases the risk of progression to problematic use. 6, record 5, English, - use
Record number: 5, Textual support number: 1 OBS
use; harmful use; hazardous use; problematic use; risky use: These designations have been suggested to replace the term "abuse." However, they are not always interchangeable. Some people prefer the term "use" alone, as they see qualifying it as stigmatizing. In some contexts, however, it might be necessary to distinguish between different types of use. In this case and depending on the context, the reason for the chosen designations should be explained, and the designations clearly defined. 7, record 5, English, - use
Record number: 5, Textual support number: 1 PHR
cannabis use, drug use, opioid use, substance use 7, record 5, English, - use
Record 5, French
Record 5, Domaine(s)
- Drogues et toxicomanie
Record 5, Main entry term, French
- utilisation
1, record 5, French, utilisation
see observation, feminine noun
Record 5, Abbreviations, French
Record 5, Synonyms, French
- usage 2, record 5, French, usage
see observation, masculine noun
- consommation 3, record 5, French, consommation
see observation, feminine noun
- utilisation nocive 2, record 5, French, utilisation%20nocive
see observation, feminine noun
- usage à risque 2, record 5, French, usage%20%C3%A0%20risque
see observation, masculine noun
- utilisation problématique 4, record 5, French, utilisation%20probl%C3%A9matique
see observation, feminine noun
- abus 1, record 5, French, abus
avoid, masculine noun, pejorative
- mésusage 5, record 5, French, m%C3%A9susage
avoid, masculine noun, pejorative
- mauvais usage 4, record 5, French, mauvais%20usage
avoid, masculine noun, pejorative
Record 5, Textual support, French
Record number: 5, Textual support number: 1 OBS
utilisation; usage; consommation; utilisation nocive; usage à risque; utilisation problématique : Ces désignations sont proposées pour remplacer le mot «abus». Par contre, elles ne sont pas toujours interchangeables. Certaines personnes préfèrent utiliser les mots «utilisation», «usage» ou «consommation» seuls, car elles considèrent stigmatisant de les qualifier. Toutefois, dans certains contextes, il peut être nécessaire de distinguer différents types d'utilisation. Dans ce cas, selon le contexte, le choix des désignations doit être expliqué et les désignations choisies, clairement définies. 6, record 5, French, - utilisation
Record number: 5, Textual support number: 1 PHR
utilisation de cannabis, utilisation de drogues, utilisation d'opioïdes, utilisation d'une substance psychoactive 6, record 5, French, - utilisation
Record 5, Spanish
Record 5, Campo(s) temático(s)
- Drogas y toxicomanía
Record 5, Main entry term, Spanish
- abuso de drogas
1, record 5, Spanish, abuso%20de%20drogas
correct, masculine noun
Record 5, Abbreviations, Spanish
Record 5, Synonyms, Spanish
- uso indebido de drogas 2, record 5, Spanish, uso%20indebido%20de%20drogas
correct, masculine noun
Record 5, Textual support, Spanish
Record number: 5, Textual support number: 1 DEF
Consumo inadecuado de sustancias adictivas que conlleva un deterioro o daño para la salud. 1, record 5, Spanish, - abuso%20de%20drogas
Record number: 5, Textual support number: 1 OBS
Se debe distinguir entre el consumo y el abuso. A partir del momento en que el uso se haga excesivo o indebido, estaremos hablando de abuso. Sin embargo, la distinción se pierde cuando nos referimos a sustancias cuyo consumo ya representa un uso indebido y es por eso común ver consumo, uso y abuso utilizados como sinónimos. 3, record 5, Spanish, - abuso%20de%20drogas
Record number: 5, Textual support number: 1 PHR
Prevención del uso indebido de drogas. 2, record 5, Spanish, - abuso%20de%20drogas
Record 6 - internal organization data 2010-04-20
Record 6, English
Record 6, Subject field(s)
- Citizenship and Immigration
Record 6, Main entry term, English
- abuse
1, record 6, English, abuse
correct, noun
Record 6, Abbreviations, English
Record 6, Synonyms, English
Record 6, Textual support, English
Record number: 6, Textual support number: 1 CONT
It also detects evolving patterns of abuse of the citizenship, immigration and refugee programs and detains or removes people who pose a serious risk to Canadians or who are not legally entitled to remain in Canada (in particular, those who have committed serious criminal offences or war crimes). 2, record 6, English, - abuse
Record 6, French
Record 6, Domaine(s)
- Citoyenneté et immigration
Record 6, Main entry term, French
- recours abusif
1, record 6, French, recours%20abusif
correct, masculine noun
Record 6, Abbreviations, French
Record 6, Synonyms, French
Record 6, Textual support, French
Record number: 6, Textual support number: 1 CONT
Il décèle aussi les nouvelles tendances du recours abusif aux programmes de citoyenneté, d'immigration et de protection des réfugiés, et détient ou renvoie les personnes qui constituent un grave danger pour les Canadiens ou qui ne sont pas légalement autorisées à demeurer au Canada (en particulier celles qui ont commis des infractions criminelles graves ou des crimes de guerre). 2, record 6, French, - recours%20abusif
Record 6, Spanish
Record 6, Campo(s) temático(s)
- Ciudadanía e inmigración
Record 6, Main entry term, Spanish
- abuso
1, record 6, Spanish, abuso
masculine noun
Record 6, Abbreviations, Spanish
Record 6, Synonyms, Spanish
- recurso abusivo 2, record 6, Spanish, recurso%20abusivo
masculine noun
Record 6, Textual support, Spanish
Record 7 - internal organization data 2003-06-12
Record 7, English
Record 7, Subject field(s)
- Translation
- Language Problems
Record 7, Main entry term, English
- abuse
1, record 7, English, abuse
correct, verb
Record 7, Abbreviations, English
Record 7, Synonyms, English
Record 7, Textual support, English
Record number: 7, Textual support number: 1 CONT
[Malvolio] had been most notoriously abused. (Shakespeare, Twelfth Night). 1, record 7, English, - abuse
Record 7, French
Record 7, Domaine(s)
- Traduction
- Problèmes de langue
Record 7, Main entry term, French
- injurier 1, record 7, French, injurier
Record 7, Abbreviations, French
Record 7, Synonyms, French
- insulter 1, record 7, French, insulter
- dénigrer 1, record 7, French, d%C3%A9nigrer
- bafouer 1, record 7, French, bafouer
see observation
Record 7, Textual support, French
Record number: 7, Textual support number: 1 OBS
(faux amis) bafouer. 1, record 7, French, - injurier
Record number: 7, Textual support number: 1 CONT
Certes, on l'a bafoué de cruelle manière (Shakespeare, Twelfth Night). 1, record 7, French, - injurier
Record 7, Spanish
Record 7, Campo(s) temático(s)
- Traducción
- Problemas de idioma
Record 7, Main entry term, Spanish
- ultrajar
1, record 7, Spanish, ultrajar
correct
Record 7, Abbreviations, Spanish
Record 7, Synonyms, Spanish
- injuriar 1, record 7, Spanish, injuriar
correct
- profanar 1, record 7, Spanish, profanar
correct
Record 7, Textual support, Spanish
Copyright notice for the TERMIUM Plus® data bank
© Public Services and Procurement Canada, 2026
TERMIUM Plus®, the Government of Canada's terminology and linguistic data bank
A product of the Translation Bureau
Features
GCtranslate (available on the Government of Canada network only)
Use this artificial intelligence prototype to translate Government of Canada content up to and including Protected B. Available to employees of selected departments and agencies only.
Writing tools
The Language Portal’s writing tools have a new look! Easy to consult, they give you access to a wealth of information that will help you write better in English and French.
Glossaries and vocabularies
Access Translation Bureau glossaries and vocabularies.
- Date Modified:


