Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun abuse

3 senses of abuse

Sense 1
maltreatment, ill-treatment, ill-usage, abuse -- (cruel or inhumane treatment; "the child showed signs of physical abuse")
       => mistreatment -- (the practice of treating (someone or something) badly; "he should be punished for his mistreatment of his mother")

Sense 2
abuse, insult, revilement, contumely, vilification -- (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")
       => disrespect, discourtesy -- (an expression of lack of respect)

Sense 3
misuse, abuse -- (improper or excessive use; "alcohol abuse"; "the abuse of public funds")
       => use, usage, utilization, utilisation, employment, exercise -- (the act of using; "he warned against the use of narcotic drugs"; "skilled in the utilization of computers")

Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of verb abuse

4 senses of abuse

Sense 1
mistreat, maltreat, abuse, ill-use, step, ill-treat -- (treat badly; "This boss abuses his workers"; "She is always stepping on others to get ahead")
       => treat, handle, do by -- (interact in a certain way; "Do right by her"; "Treat him with caution, please"; "Handle the press reporters gently")

Sense 2
pervert, misuse, abuse -- (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")
       => use, expend -- (use up, consume fully; "The legislature expended its time on school questions")

Sense 3
abuse, clapperclaw, blackguard, shout -- (use foul or abusive language towards; "The actress abused the policeman who gave her a parking ticket"; "The angry mother shouted at the teacher")
       => attack, round, assail, lash out, snipe, assault -- (attack in speech or writing; "The editors of the left-leaning paper attacked the new House Speaker")

Sense 4
abuse -- (use wrongly or improperly or excessively; "Her husband often abuses alcohol"; "while she was pregnant, she abused drugs")
       => use, expend -- (use up, consume fully; "The legislature expended its time on school questions")