Noun
-
improper or excessive use
"alcohol abuse"
"the abuse of public funds"
-
a rude expression intended to offend or hurt
"when a student made a stupid mistake he spared them no abuse"
"they yelled insults at the visiting team"
-
cruel or inhumane treatment
"the child showed signs of physical abuse"
- ill treatment - ill usage
Verb
-
use wrongly or improperly or excessively
"Her husband often abuses alcohol"
"while she was pregnant, she abused drugs"
-
use foul or abusive language towards
"The actress abused the policeman who gave her a parking ticket"
"The angry mother shouted at the teacher"
-
change the inherent purpose or function of something
"Don't abuse the system"
"The director of the factory misused the funds intended for the health care of his workers"
-
treat badly
"This boss abuses his workers"
"She is always stepping on others to get ahead"
- ill use - ill treat