See the Word
abuse
n 1: cruel or inhumane treatment [syn: maltreatment, ill-treatment,ill-usage]
2: 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]
3: improper or excessive use [syn: misuse]
v 1: treat badly; "This boss abuses his workers"; "She is always
stepping on others to get ahead" [syn: mistreat, maltreat,
ill-use, step, ill-treat]
2: 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"
[syn: pervert, misuse]
3: 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]
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