Meaning Of Abuse

v. 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.

v. t.

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.

v. t.

To revile; to reproach coarsely; to disparage.

v. t.

To dishonor.

v. t.

To violate; to ravish.

v. t.

To deceive; to impose on.

v. t.

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.

v. t.

Physical ill treatment; injury.

v. t.

A corrupt practice or custom; offense; crime; fault; as, the abuses in the civil service.

v. t.

Vituperative words; coarse, insulting speech; abusive language; virulent condemnation; reviling.

v. t.

Violation; rape; as, abuse of a female child.