physical abuse

abuse (ah-būs´) misuse, maltreatment, or excessive use.

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child abuse  see battered-child syndrome.

drug abuse  substance a.

physical abuse  any act resulting in a nonaccidental physical injury.

psychoactive substance abuse  substance a.

sexual abuse  assault or other crime of a sexual nature, which need not be physical. Acts of a sexual nature are considered abuse if performed with minors or nonconsenting adults.

substance abuse  use of a substance that modifies mood or behavior in a manner characterized by a maladaptive pattern of use. See also substance dependence, under dependence.

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physical abuse

[fiz′ikəl]

Etymology: Gk, physikos, natural; L, abuti, to abuse

one or more episodes of aggressive behavior, usually resulting in physical injury with possible damage to internal organs, sense organs, the central nervous system, or the musculoskeletal system of another person.

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physical abuse

Pediatrics “…Inflicting bodily injury through excessive force or forcing a child to engage in physically harmful activity, such as excessive exercise, PA ↑ with poverty. See Child abuse, Spousal abuse.