used

/juzd/

/just/

If something is used, that means it has been owned by someone else. If you buy used textbooks, that means they’re not new — someone else owned them and read them before you did.

If you sell used cars, that means you’re selling cars that have already had at least one owner. Used can also describe things that have already served their purpose. Used batteries aren't good anymore: their power has been used up. People can also be used, and in this sense the word means “taken advantage of.” You might feel used by your neighbor if she's only nice to you when she needs you to water her plants.

Definitions of used

1. adjective

   previously used or owned by another
   synonyms: secondhand

   old

   of long duration; not new
2. adjective

   employed in accomplishing something
   “"the principle of surprise is the most used and misused of all the principles of war"- H.H.Arnold & I.C.Eaker”

   synonyms:

   in use

   currently being used

   utilised, utilized

   put to use

   antonyms:

   misused

   used incorrectly or carelessly or for an improper purpose

   abused

   used improperly or excessively especially drugs

   exploited, ill-used, put-upon, used, victimised, victimized

   of persons; taken advantage of
3. adjective

   of persons; taken advantage of
   “after going out of his way to help his friend get the job he felt not appreciated but used”

   synonyms: exploited, ill-used, put-upon, victimised, victimized

   misused

   used incorrectly or carelessly or for an improper purpose