Abuse

noun

ə'bjuz

Noun

improper or excessive use
“alcohol abuse”
“the abuse of public funds”
Similar:Misuse
Type of:UseUtilisationUtilization
cruel or inhumane treatment
“the child showed signs of physical abuse”
Similar:Ill-treatmentIll-usageMaltreatment
Type of:Mistreatment
a rude expression intended to offend or hurt
“when a student made a stupid mistake he spared them no abuse”
Similar:ContumelyInsultRevilementVilification
Type of:DisrespectDiscourtesy

treat badly
“This boss abuses his workers”
Similar:Ill-treatIll-useMaltreatMistreatStep
Type of:HandleTreat
use foul or abusive language towards
“The actress abused the policeman who gave her a parking ticket”
Similar:BlackguardClapperclawShout
Type of:RoundAttackSnipe
change the inherent purpose or function of something
“Don't abuse the system”
Similar:Misuse Pervert
Type of:UseExpend
use wrongly or improperly or excessively
“Her husband often abuses alcohol”
“while she was pregnant, she abused drugs”
Type of:ExpendUse