1. abuse - noun
· cruel or inhumane treatment; "the child showed signs of physical abuse"
Synonym(s): maltreatment, ill-treatment, ill-usage
Hypernym(s): mistreatment
2. abuse - 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"
Synonym(s): insult, revilement, contumely, vilification
Hypernym(s): disrespect, discourtesy
3. abuse - noun
· improper or excessive use; "alcohol abuse"; "the abuse of public funds"
Synonym(s): misuse
Hypernym(s): use, usage, utilization, utilisation, employment, exercise
4. abuse - verb
· treat badly; "This boss abuses his workers"; "She is always stepping on others to get ahead"
Synonym(s): mistreat, maltreat, ill-use, step, ill-treat
Hypernym(s): treat, handle, do_by
5. abuse - verb
· 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"
6. abuse - 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"
Synonym(s): clapperclaw, blackguard, shout
Hypernym(s): attack, round, assail, lash_out, snipe, assault
7. abuse - verb
· use wrongly or improperly or excessively; "Her husband often abuses alcohol"; "while she was pregnant, she abused drugs"
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