| abuse |
verb t. |
To put to a wrong use; to misapply; to misuse; to put to a bad use; to use for a wrong purpose or end; to pervert; as, to abuse inherited gold; to make an excessive use of; as, to abuse one’s authority., To use ill; to maltreat; to act injuriously to; to punish or to tax excessively; to hurt; as, to abuse prisoners, to abuse one’s powers, one’s patience., To revile; to reproach coarsely; to disparage., To dishonor., To violate; to ravish., To deceive; to impose on., Improper treatment or use; application to a wrong or bad purpose; misuse; as, an abuse of our natural powers; an abuse of civil rights, or of privileges or advantages; an abuse of language., Physical ill treatment; injury., A corrupt practice or custom; offense; crime; fault; as, the abuses in the civil service., Vituperative words; coarse, insulting speech; abusive language; virulent condemnation; reviling., Violation; rape; as, abuse of a female child. |