abuse

a-buse · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Cruel and violent treatment of a person or animal.

  2. 2.

    The improper use of something; misuse.

  3. 3.

    Insulting or offensive language.

  4. 4.

    To treat a person or animal with cruelty or violence.

  5. 5.

    To use something for a bad purpose or in a bad way; to misuse.

  6. 6.

    To speak insultingly or unkindly to or about someone.

Forms

plural: abuses

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    abuse of power — The misuse of authority for improper purposes.
  • •
    substance abuse — The harmful use of drugs or alcohol.
  • •
    verbal abuse — Insulting or harmful language directed at someone.

Related words

Antonyms: care, protection, respect
See also: abused, abusive, misuse
Synonyms: cruelty, maltreatment, mistreatment, misuse

Etymology

From Latin abūsus ("a using up"), past participle of abūtī ("to use up, misuse"), from ab- ("away") + ūtī ("to use").