'abuse' definitions:

Definition of 'abuse'

From: WordNet
noun
Cruel or inhumane treatment; "the child showed signs of physical abuse" [syn: maltreatment, ill-treatment, ill-usage, abuse]
noun
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" [syn: abuse, insult, revilement, contumely, vilification]
noun
Improper or excessive use; "alcohol abuse"; "the abuse of public funds" [syn: misuse, abuse]
verb
Treat badly; "This boss abuses his workers"; "She is always stepping on others to get ahead" [syn: mistreat, maltreat, abuse, ill-use, step, ill-treat]
verb
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" [syn: pervert, misuse, abuse]
verb
Use foul or abusive language towards; "The actress abused the policeman who gave her a parking ticket"; "The angry mother shouted at the teacher" [syn: abuse, clapperclaw, blackguard, shout]
verb
Use wrongly or improperly or excessively; "Her husband often abuses alcohol"; "while she was pregnant, she abused drugs"

Synonyms of 'abuse'

From: Moby Thesaurus