| noun | cruel or inhumane treatment “the child showed signs of physical abuse” |
| noun | a rude expression intended to offend or hurt “when a student made a stupid mistake he spared them no abuse” |
| noun | improper or excessive use “alcohol abuse” |
| verb | treat badly “This boss abuses his workers” |
| verb | change the inherent purpose or function of something “Don't abuse the system” |
| verb | use foul or abusive language towards “The actress abused the policeman who gave her a parking ticket” |
| verb | use wrongly or improperly or excessively “Her husband often abuses alcohol” |
| maltreat | verb | treat badly |
| ill-treat | verb | treat badly |
| ill-use | verb | treat badly |
| abuse | verb | treat badly |
| insult | verb | treat, mention, or speak to rudely |
| revile | verb | spread negative information about |
| contumelious | adjective | arrogantly insolent |
| vilify | verb | spread negative information about |
| misuse | verb | change the inherent purpose or function of something |
| mistreatment | noun | the practice of treating (someone or something) badly |
| maltreatment | noun | cruel or inhumane treatment |
| maltreater | noun | someone who abuses |
| abusive | adjective | characterized by physical or psychological maltreatment |
| abuse | noun | cruel or inhumane treatment |
| abuser | noun | someone who abuses |
| ill-usage | noun | cruel or inhumane treatment |
| ill-treatment | noun | cruel or inhumane treatment |
| perversion | noun | the action of perverting something (turning it to a wrong use) |
| misuse | noun | improper or excessive use |