Part of speech: Noun
cruel or inhumane treatment
Example: the child showed signs of physical abuse
Part of speech: Noun
a rude expression intended to offend or hurt
Example: when a student made a silly mistake he spared them no abuse; they yelled insults at the visiting team
Part of speech: Noun
improper or excessive use
Example: alcohol abuse; the abuse of public funds
Part of speech: Verb
change the inherent purpose or function of something
Example: Don't abuse the system; The director of the factory misused the funds intended for the health care of his workers
Part of speech: Verb
use wrongly or improperly or excessively
Example: Her husband often abuses alcohol; while she was pregnant, she abused drugs
Part of speech: Verb
treat badly
Example: This boss abuses his workers; She is always stepping on others to get ahead
Part of speech: Verb
use foul or abusive language towards
Example: The actress abused the policeman who gave her a parking ticket; The angry mother shouted at the teacher
Shout, Mistreat, Blackguard, Abuse, Step