abuse

(noun) cruel or inhumane treatment. Synonyms: maltreatment, ill-treatment, ill-usage. Example: "The child showed signs of physical abuse."

(noun) a rude expression intended to offend or hurt. Synonyms: insult, revilement, contumely, vilification. Examples: "When a student made a stupid mistake he spared them no abuse." "They yelled insults at the visiting team."

(noun) improper or excessive use. Synonyms: misuse. Examples: "Alcohol abuse." "The abuse of public funds."

(verb) treat badly. Synonyms: mistreat, maltreat, ill-use, step, ill-treat. Examples: "This boss abuses his workers." "She is always stepping on others to get ahead."

(verb) change the inherent purpose or function of something. Synonyms: pervert, misuse. Examples: "Don't abuse the system." "The director of the factory misused the funds intended for the health care of his workers."

(verb) use foul or abusive language towards. Synonyms: clapperclaw, blackguard, shout. Examples: "The actress abused the policeman who gave her a parking ticket." "The angry mother shouted at the teacher."

(verb) use wrongly or improperly or excessively. Examples: "Her husband often abuses alcohol." "While she was pregnant, she abused drugs."