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Definition of Abuse
1. Noun. Cruel or inhumane treatment. "The child showed signs of physical abuse"
Generic synonyms: Mistreatment
Specialized synonyms: Child Abuse, Child Neglect, Persecution, Cruelty, Inhuman Treatment
Derivative terms: Ill-treat, Ill-use, Maltreat
2. Verb. Treat badly. "They want to abuse the prisoners "; "She is always stepping on others to get ahead"
Generic synonyms: Do By, Handle, Treat
Specialized synonyms: Kick Around
Derivative terms: Abuser, Abusive, Ill-treatment, Ill-usage, Maltreater, Maltreatment, Mistreatment
3. Noun. A rude expression intended to offend or hurt. "They yelled insults at the visiting team"
Generic synonyms: Discourtesy, Disrespect
Specialized synonyms: Low Blow, Billingsgate, Scurrility, Cut, Stinger, Invective, Vitriol, Vituperation
Derivative terms: Contumelious, Insult, Revile, Vilify
4. Verb. Change the inherent purpose or function of something. "The director of the factory misused the funds intended for the health care of his workers"
Specialized synonyms: Fracture, Take In Vain
Generic synonyms: Expend, Use
Derivative terms: Misuse, Perversion
5. Noun. Improper or excessive use. "The abuse of public funds"
Generic synonyms: Employment, Exercise, Usage, Use, Utilisation, Utilization
Specialized synonyms: Drug Abuse, Habit, Substance Abuse
Derivative terms: Misuse, Misuse
6. Verb. Use foul or abusive language towards. "The angry mother shouted at the teacher"
Specialized synonyms: Slang, Rail, Revile, Vilify, Vituperate, Curse
Generic synonyms: Assail, Assault, Attack, Lash Out, Round, Snipe
Derivative terms: Abuser, Abusive
7. Verb. Use wrongly or improperly or excessively. "While she was pregnant, she abused drugs"
Definition of Abuse
1. v. t. To put to a wrong use; to misapply; to misuse; to put to a bad use; to use for a wrong purpose or end; to pervert; as, to abuse inherited gold; to make an excessive use of; as, to abuse one's authority.
2. n. Improper treatment or use; application to a wrong or bad purpose; misuse; as, an abuse of our natural powers; an abuse of civil rights, or of privileges or advantages; an abuse of language.
Definition of Abuse
1. to use wrongly or improperly [v ABUSED, ABUSING, ABUSES] : ABUSABLE [adj]
Medical Definition of Abuse
1. 1. Improper treatment or use; application to a wrong or bad purpose; misuse; as, an abuse of our natural powers; an abuse of civil rights, or of privileges or advantages; an abuse of language. "Liberty may be endangered by the abuses of liberty, as well as by the abuses of power." (Madison) 2. Physical ill treatment; injury. "Rejoice . . . at the abuse of Falstaff." 3. A corrupt practice or custom; offense; crime; fault; as, the abuses in the civil service. "Abuse after disappeared without a struggle." (Macaulay) 4. Vituperative words; coarse, insulting speech; abusive language; virulent condemnation; reviling. "The two parties, after exchanging a good deal of abuse, came to blows." (Macaulay) 5. Violation; rape; as, abuse of a female child. "Or is it some abuse, and no such thing?" (Shak) Abuse of distress, a wrongful using of an animal or chattel distrained, by the distrainer. Synonym: Invective, contumely, reproach, scurrility, insult, opprobrium. Abuse, Invective. Abuse is generally prompted by anger, and vented in harsh and unseemly words. It is more personal and coarse than invective. Abuse generally takes place in private quarrels; invective in writing or public discussions. Invective may be conveyed in refined language and dictated by indignation against what is blameworthy. Origin: F. Abus, L. Abusus, fr. Abuti. See Abuse. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Abuse
Other Resources:
Bosnian