abuse
abuse /əˈbjuːs/
noun
-
(
)
Cruel or inhumane treatment
(
ill-treatment
, ill-usage
, maltreatment
, abuse
)
cruel or inhumane treatment
The child showed signs of physical abuse
the child showed signs of physical abuse
-
Improper or excessive use
(
abuse
, misuse
)
improper or excessive use
Alcohol abuse
alcohol abuse
The abuse of public funds
the abuse of public funds
-
A rude expression intended to offend or hurt
(
abuse
, contumely
[Archaic] , revilement
, insult
, vilification
)
a rude expression intended to offend or hurt
When a student made a stupid mistake he spared them no abuse
when a student made a stupid mistake he spared them no abuse
They yelled insults at the visiting team
they yelled insults at the visiting team
verb
-
()
Treat badly
(
ill-treat
, ill-use
, mistreat
, abuse
, maltreat
, step
)
treat badly
This boss abuses his workers
This boss abuses his workers
She is always stepping on others to get ahead
She is always stepping on others to get ahead
-
()
Change the inherent purpose or function of something
(
misuse
, pervert
, abuse
)
change the inherent purpose or function of something
Don't abuse the system
Don't abuse the system
The director of the factory misused the funds intended for the health care of his workers
The director of the factory misused the funds intended for the health care of his workers
-
Use wrongly, improperly or excessively
(
abuse
)
use wrongly, improperly or excessively
Her husband often abuses alcohol
Her husband often abuses alcohol
While she was pregnant, she abused drugs
while she was pregnant, she abused drugs
-
Use foul or abusive language towards
(
abuse
, blackguard
, clapperclaw
[Archaic] , shout
)
use foul or abusive language towards
The actress abused the policeman who gave her a parking ticket
The actress abused the policeman who gave her a parking ticket
The angry mother shouted at the teacher
The angry mother shouted at the teacher
