1. abuse - Noun
2. abuse - Verb
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.
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.
To revile; to reproach coarsely; to disparage.
To dishonor.
To violate; to ravish.
To deceive; to impose on.
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.
Physical ill treatment; injury.
A corrupt practice or custom; offense; crime; fault; as, the abuses in the civil service.
Vituperative words; coarse, insulting speech; abusive language; virulent condemnation; reviling.
Violation; rape; as, abuse of a female child.
Source: Webster's dictionarythe child showed signs of physical abuse Source: Internet
alcohol abuse Source: Internet
the abuse of public funds Source: Internet
when a student made a stupid mistake he spared them no abuse Source: Internet
they yelled insults at the visiting team Source: Internet
Don't abuse the system Source: Internet