· cruel or inhumane treatment; "the child showed signs of physical abuse"

Synonym(s): maltreatment, ill-treatment, ill-usage

Hypernym(s): mistreatment

· 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"

Synonym(s): insult, revilement, contumely, vilification

Hypernym(s): disrespect, discourtesy

· improper or excessive use; "alcohol abuse"; "the abuse of public funds"

Synonym(s): misuse

Hypernym(s): use, usage, utilization, utilisation, employment, exercise

· treat badly; "This boss abuses his workers"; "She is always stepping on others to get ahead"

Synonym(s): mistreat, maltreat, ill-use, step, ill-treat

Hypernym(s): treat, handle, do_by

· 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"

Synonym(s): pervert, misuse

Hypernym(s): use, expend

· use foul or abusive language towards; "The actress abused the policeman who gave her a parking ticket"; "The angry mother shouted at the teacher"

Synonym(s): clapperclaw, blackguard, shout

Hypernym(s): attack, round, assail, lash_out, snipe, assault

· use wrongly or improperly or excessively; "Her husband often abuses alcohol"; "while she was pregnant, she abused drugs"

Hypernym(s): use, expend