#1
abuse v. [
mistreat, maltreat, ill-use, step, ill-treat] treat badly; "This boss abuses his workers"; "She is always stepping on others to get ahead"
. wn #2
abuse v. [
pervert, misuse] 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"
. wn #3
abuse n. [
maltreatment, ill-treatment, ill-usage] cruel or inhumane treatment; "the child showed signs of physical abuse"
. wn #4
abuse n. [
insult, revilement, contumely, vilification] 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"
. wn #5
abuse n. [
misuse] improper or excessive use; "alcohol abuse"; "the abuse of public funds"
. wn