Textual thesaurus for "abuse"

(noun) ill-treatment, ill-usage, maltreatment

cruel or inhumane treatment

the child showed signs of physical abuse

(noun) misuse

improper or excessive use

alcohol abuse; the abuse of public funds

(noun) contumely, vilification, revilement, insult

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

(verb) misuse, pervert

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

(verb) shout, blackguard, clapperclaw

use foul or abusive language towards

The actress abused the policeman who gave her a parking ticket; The angry mother shouted at the teacher

(verb) ill-treat, ill-use, mistreat, maltreat, step

treat badly

This boss abuses his workers; She is always stepping on others to get ahead