abuse

English Dictionary -> Letter A -> abuse

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abuse Definition

• (n) cruel or inhumane treatment
• (n) 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"
• (n) improper or excessive use
• (v) treat badly; "This boss abuses his workers"; "She is always stepping on others to get ahead"
• (v) 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"
• (v) use foul or abusive language towards; "The actress abused the policeman who gave her a parking ticket"; "The angry mother shouted at the teacher"

abuse Synonyms

• abuse
• blackguard
• clapperclaw
• contumely
• ill-treat
• ill-treatment
• ill-usage
• ill-use
• insult
• maltreat
• maltreatment
• mistreat
• misuse
• pervert
• revilement
• shout
• step
• vilification