Definition of abuse

What does the word abuse mean? Find synonyms, antonyms and the meaning of the word abuse in our free online dictionary! Find words starting with abuse and anagrams of abuse.
Lookup abuse in the Scrabble Dictionary

abuse - 8 definitions

- noun
1. maltreatment -- cruel or inhumane treatment; "the child showed signs of physical abuse"
synonyms: maltreatment, ill-treatment, ill-usage
Source:WordNet 3.0
 
2. abuse -- 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: insult, revilement, contumely, vilification
Source:WordNet 3.0
 
3. misuse -- improper or excessive use; "alcohol abuse"; "the abuse of public funds"
synonyms: misuse
Source:WordNet 3.0
 
- verb
4. mistreat -- treat badly; "This boss abuses his workers"; "She is always stepping on others to get ahead"
synonyms: mistreat, maltreat, ill-use, step, ill-treat
Source:WordNet 3.0
 
5. pervert -- 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"
synonyms: pervert, misuse
Source:WordNet 3.0
 
6. abuse -- 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: clapperclaw, blackguard, shout
Source:WordNet 3.0
 
7. abuse -- use wrongly or improperly or excessively; "Her husband often abuses alcohol"; "while she was pregnant, she abused drugs"
Source:WordNet 3.0
 
8. abuse, abused -- to use wrongly or improperly
synonyms: abused, abuses, abusing, abusable, unabused
Source:OWL 2 Web Ontology Language
 
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