abuse fruit / abuse TV and computer

[milan2003_07]

Hello everyone,

When we want to say that a person is using something for their own benefits and moreover is doing this illegally we normally use the words "abuse" or "misuse" like in the sentences "He is abusing the law" or "He is abusing power". However sometimes people can "abuse" something and do harm to themselves. For example, if someone is watching TV too much he can spoil his vision. If a person is eating too many oranges or bananas a day he can become allergic to these products. I wonder if we can use the words "abuse" or "misuse" in these contexts and if not please suggest an appropriate word or expression:

1) If he continues abusing bananas and oranges, he will develop an allergy to them

2) If you go on abusing TV and computer, you can become TV and computer-dependent.

Thanks

 

[SoothingDave]

Yes, "abuse" is used in this manner.

Your example "he is abusing the law" does not make sense, however. Unless you are speaking of a person in a position of power, like a sheriff or prosecutor who uses his power for personal gain or to abuse his enemies.

 

[Tdol]

1) If he continues abusing bananas and oranges, he will develop an allergy to them

This doesn't sound natural to me- I would specify the problem (eating too many).

 

[emsr2d2]

This doesn't sound natural to me- I would specify the problem (eating too many).

I agree entirely. I might say "If he continues to eat too many bananas and oranges, he might develop an allergy to them." You could say that he is potentially abusing his body/digestive system by eating too much of one thing.

If someone told me they had been abusing bananas, I would probably raise an eyebrow and assume this was the kind of activity not talked about in polite circles.