abuse

pluralabuses

conjugation abusing - abused - abused

noun: cruel or violent treatment of a person or animal; mistreatment
- The investigation revealed years of abuse suffered by the children in the shelter.
noun: improper or excessive use of something, especially for a purpose other than its intended one
- The committee warned about the abuse of public funds on unnecessary projects.
noun: offensive or insulting language directed at someone; verbal assault
- She could not tolerate the constant abuse she received from her critics.
noun: the harmful or compulsive use of substances such as drugs or alcohol
- After years of alcohol abuse, he finally sought treatment.
verb: to treat a person or thing with cruelty, violence, or unfairness
- It is a crime to abuse an animal.
verb: to use something in a harmful or improper way
- He should not abuse his authority as manager.