Abuse Word Meaning

late Middle English: via Old French from Latin abus- ‘misused’, from the verb abuti, from ab- ‘away’ (i.e. ‘wrongly’) + uti ‘to use’

use (something) to bad effect or for a bad purpose; misuse

misuse

• the judge abused his power by imposing the fines

treat with cruelty or violence, especially regularly or repeatedly

treat badly

• riders who abuse their horses should be prosecuted

speak to (someone) in an insulting and offensive way

speak to insultingly

• the referee was abused by players from both teams

the improper use of something

improper use

• alcohol abuse
• an abuse of public funds

cruel and violent treatment of a person or animal

ill-treatment

• a black eye and other signs of physical abuse

insulting and offensive language

insulting language

• waving his fists and hurling abuse at the driver