abuse
     n 1: cruel or inhumane treatment [syn: {maltreatment}, {ill-treatment},
           {ill-usage}]
     2: 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" [syn: {insult},
         {revilement}, {contumely}, {vilification}]
     3: improper or excessive use [syn: {misuse}]
     v 1: treat badly; "This boss abuses his workers"; "She is always
          stepping on others to get ahead" [syn: {mistreat}, {maltreat},
           {ill-use}, {step}, {ill-treat}]
     2: 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"
        [syn: {pervert}, {misuse}]
     3: use foul or abusive language towards; "The actress abused
        the policeman who gave her a parking ticket"; "The angry
        mother shouted at the teacher" [syn: {clapperclaw}, {blackguard},
         {shout}]
Source: WordNet® 2.0