abuse
1. [ verb ] treat badly
Synonyms: maltreat ill-treat ill-use step mistreat
Examples:

"This boss abuses his workers" "She is always stepping on others to get ahead"

Related terms: treat kick_around maltreatment abuser
2. [ verb ] change the inherent purpose or function of something
Synonyms: misuse pervert
Examples:

"Don't abuse the system" "The director of the factory misused the funds intended for the health care of his workers"

Related terms: use fracture take_in_vain misuse
3. [ noun ] cruel or inhumane treatment
Synonyms: ill-treatment ill-usage maltreatment
Related terms: mistreatment cruelty persecution child_abuse child_neglect mistreat
4. [ verb ] use foul or abusive language towards
Synonyms: blackguard shout clapperclaw
Examples:

"The actress abused the policeman who gave her a parking ticket" "The angry mother shouted at the teacher"

Related terms: attack curse vilify slang
5. [ noun ] a rude expression intended to offend or hurt
Synonyms: insult vilification contumely revilement
Examples:

"when a student made a stupid mistake he spared them no abuse" "they yelled insults at the visiting team"

Related terms: disrespect vituperation stinger low_blow scurrility vilify
6. [ noun ] improper or excessive use
Synonyms: misuse
Related terms: use habit pervert
Similar spelling:   abase
  ABCs
  Abbs
  abyss
  Abies
  ABC's
  Abbas
  abash
  abbess
  abasia
  ABC