Abuse - Definition

n 1: cruel or inhumane treatment; "the child showed signs of
physical abuse" [syn: 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" [syn: abuse, insult,
revilement, contumely, vilification]
3: improper or excessive use; "alcohol abuse"; "the abuse of
public funds" [syn: misuse, abuse]
v 1: treat badly; "This boss abuses his workers"; "She is always
stepping on others to get ahead" [syn: 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" [syn:
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" [syn: abuse, clapperclaw,
blackguard, shout]
4: use wrongly or improperly or excessively; "Her husband often
abuses alcohol"; "while she was pregnant, she abused drugs"