Search results for 'abuse':

abuse verb (abused, abusing) 1 to use (one's position, power, etc) wrongly. 2 to misuse something, especially to use (drugs) improperly. 3 to treat someone or something cruelly or wrongly. 4 to betray (a confidence). 5 to speak rudely or insultingly to or about someone. noun 1 wrong use of one's position, power, etc. 2 (also drug abuse) the excessive use of alcohol, drugs or other harmful substances, especially as distinguished from the more severe form of dependence known as addiction. 3 bad or cruel treatment of someone or something. 4 (also child abuse) the physical, mental or emotional maltreatment of a child by one of its parents or another adult. 5 an evil or corrupt practice. 6 rude or insulting words said to or about someone.
ETYMOLOGY: 15c: from Latin abusus, past participle of abuti to misuse.