Synonyms: ill-treatment, ill-usage, maltreatment, abuse
Definition: cruel or inhumane treatment
Usage: the child showed signs of physical abuse
Similar words: mistreatment
Definition: the practice of treating (someone or something) badly
Usage: he should be punished for his mistreatment of his mother
Definition: improper or excessive use
Usage: alcohol abuse; the abuse of public funds
Similar words: usage, use, utilisation, utilization, employment, exercise
Definition: the act of using
Usage: he warned against the use of narcotic drugs; skilled in the utilization of computers
Synonyms: contumely, abuse, vilification, revilement, insult
Definition: a rude expression intended to offend or hurt
Usage: when a student made a stupid mistake he spared them no abuse; they yelled insults at the visiting team
Similar words: discourtesy, disrespect
Definition: an expression of lack of respect
Synonyms: abuse, misuse, pervert
Definition: change the inherent purpose or function of something
Usage: Don't abuse the system; The director of the factory misused the funds intended for the health care of his workers
Definition: use up, consume fully
Usage: The legislature expended its time on school questions
Synonyms: abuse
Definition: use wrongly or improperly or excessively
Usage: Her husband often abuses alcohol; while she was pregnant, she abused drugs
Definition: use up, consume fully
Usage: The legislature expended its time on school questions
Synonyms: abuse, shout, blackguard, clapperclaw
Definition: use foul or abusive language towards
Usage: The actress abused the policeman who gave her a parking ticket; The angry mother shouted at the teacher
Similar words: snipe, round, assail, assault, attack, lash out
Definition: attack in speech or writing
Usage: The editors of the left-leaning paper attacked the new House Speaker
Synonyms: ill-treat, ill-use, mistreat, maltreat, abuse, step
Definition: treat badly
Usage: This boss abuses his workers; She is always stepping on others to get ahead
Similar words: do by, treat, handle
Definition: interact in a certain way
Usage: Do right by her; Treat him with caution, please; Handle the press reporters gently