Definitions for abuse

Overview of noun abuse

The noun abuse has 3 senses? (first 1 from tagged texts)

1. (1) maltreatment, ill-treatment, ill-usage, abuse

(cruel or inhumane treatment; "the child showed signs of physical abuse")

2. abuse, insult, revilement, contumely, vilification

(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")

3. misuse, abuse

(improper or excessive use; "alcohol abuse"; "the abuse of public funds")

Overview of verb abuse

The verb abuse has 4 senses? (first 2 from tagged texts)

1. (3) mistreat, maltreat, abuse, ill-use, step, ill-treat

(treat badly; "This boss abuses his workers"; "She is always stepping on others to get ahead")

2. (2) pervert, misuse, abuse

(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")

3. abuse, clapperclaw, blackguard, shout

(use foul or abusive language towards; "The actress abused the policeman who gave her a parking ticket"; "The angry mother shouted at the teacher")

4. abuse

(use wrongly or improperly or excessively; "Her husband often abuses alcohol"; "while she was pregnant, she abused drugs")