Abuser, vtr : to take advantage of; overdo, overindulge in; exceed, overstep, abuse.

The French word « abuser » looks almost exactly like the English word “abuse.”

The word “abuse” in English typically means to treat someone badly, to misuse something, or to consume too much.

As a semi-false cognate, in French « abuser » can mean “to take advantage of; overdo, overindulge in; exceed, overstep, as well as abuse.”

J’en ai marre que les gens abusent de ma gentillesse.
I have had enough of people taking advantage of my kindness.

Abuser de l’alcool est dangereux.
Drinking alcohol to excess is dangerous.

La direction des ressources humaines trouvait que le gérant abusait de son autorité.
The Human Resources Department found that the manager was overstepping / abusing his authority.