abuse

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   cruel or inhumane treatment

   the child showed signs of physical abuse

2. 2
   noun

   improper or excessive use

   alcohol abuse

3. 3
   noun

   a rude expression intended to offend or hurt

   When a student made a mistake the teacher spared them no abuse.

4. 4
   verb

   to change the inherent purpose or function of something

   I was warned not to abuse the system.

5. 5
   verb

   to use wrongly or improperly or excessively

   You've abused my generosity more times than I should have allowed.

6. 6
   verb

   to use foul or abusive language towards

   I abused the police officer who issued the parking ticket.

7. 7
   verb

   to treat badly

   This boss abuses their workers for no discernible reason since it is counter-productive.

8. 8
   noun

   Improper treatment or usage; application to a wrong or bad purpose; an unjust, corrupt or wrongful practice or custom.

   human rights abuses

Etymology

From Middle English abusen, then from either Old French abus (“improper use”), or from Latin abūsus (“misused, using up”), perfect active participle of abūtor (“make improper use of, consume, abuse”), from ab (“away”) + ūtor (“to use”). Equivalent to ab- + use.