English to English
abuse
(/@/'b/ju/z
)
noun (n)
- cruel or inhumane treatment(noun.act)Example:
The child showed signs of physical abuse.
source: wordnet30 - a rude expression intended to offend or hurt(noun.communication)Example:
When a student made a stupid mistake he spared them no abuse.
source: wordnet30 - improper or excessive use(noun.act)Example:
Alcohol abuse.
The abuse of public funds.
source: wordnet30 - 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.(noun)source: webster1913
verb (v)
- use foul or abusive language towards(verb.communication)Example:
The actress abused the policeman who gave her a parking ticket.
source: wordnet30 - use wrongly or improperly or excessively(verb.change)Example:
Her husband often abuses alcohol.
While she was pregnant, she abused drugs.
source: wordnet30 - 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.(verb)source: webster1913