Main entry: ill-treatment, ill-usage, maltreatment, abuse
Definition: cruel or inhumane treatment
Usage: the child showed signs of physical abuse
Definition: improper or excessive use
Usage: alcohol abuse; the abuse of public funds
Main entry: 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
Main entry: 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
Main entry: abuse
Definition: use wrongly or improperly or excessively
Usage: Her husband often abuses alcohol; while she was pregnant, she abused drugs
Main entry: 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
Main entry: 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