 abuse |
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| 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" |
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| 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" |
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| 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" |
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| 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" |
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| 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 |
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