Meaning of abuse

Definition of abuse

(noun) cruel or inhumane treatment; "the child showed signs of physical abuse"
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"
improper or excessive use; "alcohol abuse"; "the abuse of public funds"
(verb) treat badly; "This boss abuses his workers"; "She is always stepping on others to get ahead"
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"
use foul or abusive language towards; "The actress abused the policeman who gave her a parking ticket"; "The angry mother shouted at the teacher"
use wrongly or improperly or excessively; "Her husband often abuses alcohol"; "while she was pregnant, she abused drugs"

Other information on abuse

WIKIPEDIA results for abuse
Amazon results for abuse