abuse
| 1. |
(verb) use foul or abusive language towards; "The actress abused the policeman who gave her a parking ticket"; "The angry mother shouted at the teacher" |
|
Synonyms: blackguard, clapperclaw, shout |
|
Related Words: assail, assault, attack, curse, lash out, rail, revile, round, slang, snipe, vilify, vituperate |
|
| 2. |
(noun) 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" |
|
Synonyms: contumely, insult, revilement |
|
Related Words: billingsgate, cut, discourtesy, disrespect, invective, scurrility, stinger, vitriol, vituperation |
|
| 3. |
(noun) improper or excessive use |
|
Synonyms: misuse |
|
Related Words: drug abuse, employment, exercise, habit, substance abuse, usage, use, utilisation, utilization |
|
| 4. |
(verb) change the inherent purpose or function of something |
|
Synonyms: misuse, pervert |
|
Related Words: expend, fracture, take in vain, use |
|
| 5. |
(verb) treat badly |
|
Synonyms: ill-treat, ill-use, maltreat, mistreat |
|
Related Words: do by, handle, kick around, treat |
|
| 6. |
(noun) cruel or inhumane treatment |
|
Synonyms: ill-treatment, ill-usage, maltreatment |
|
Related Words: child abuse, child neglect, cruelty, inhuman treatment, mistreatment, persecution |
|
|