How to Pronounce "Abuse"

verb (used with object),a·bused, a·bus·ing.
to use wrongly or improperly; misuse:
to abuse one's authority.

to treat in a harmful, injurious, or offensive way:
to abuse a horse; to abuse one's eyesight.

to speak insultingly, harshly, and unjustly to or about; revile; malign.

to commit sexual assault upon.

Obsolete. to deceive or mislead.

noun
wrong or improper use; misuse:
the abuse of privileges.

harshly or coarsely insulting language:
The officer heaped abuse on his men.

bad or improper treatment; maltreatment:
The child was subjected to cruel abuse.

a corrupt or improper practice or custom:
the abuses of a totalitarian regime.

rape or sexual assault.

Obsolete. deception.