a·buse /əˈbyuz/
1. cruel or inhumane treatment; "the child showed signs of physical abuse"
synset: maltreatment, ill-treatment, ill-usage, abuse
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"
synset: abuse, insult, revilement, contumely, vilification
3. improper or excessive use; "alcohol abuse"; "the abuse of public funds"
1. treat badly; "This boss abuses his workers"; "She is always stepping on others to get ahead"
synset: mistreat, maltreat, abuse, 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"
synset: pervert, misuse, abuse
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"
synset: abuse, clapperclaw, blackguard, shout
4. use wrongly or improperly or excessively; "Her husband often abuses alcohol"; "while she was pregnant, she abused drugs"
synset: abuse
Princeton University "About WordNet." WordNet. Princeton University. 2010.
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