cruel or inhumane treatment; the child showed signs of physical abuse
[ Syn: maltreatment , ill-treatment , ill-usage ]
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
[ Syn: insult , revilement , contumely , vilification ]
improper or excessive use; alcohol abuse; the abuse of public funds
[ Syn: misuse ]
abuse (n.)
treat badly; This boss abuses his workers; She is always stepping on others to get ahead
change the inherent purpose or function of something; Dont abuse the system; The director of the factory misused the funds intended for the health care of his workers
use foul or abusive language towards; The actress abused the policeman who gave her a parking ticket; The angry mother shouted at the teacher
[ Syn: clapperclaw , blackguard , shout ]
use wrongly or improperly or excessively; Her husband often abuses alcohol; while she was pregnant, she abused drugs'