Abuse

imp. & p. p. Abused; p. pr. & vb. n. Abusing

1. 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.

   This principle (if one may so abuse the word) shoots rapidly into popularity.

2. 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.
3. To revile; to reproach coarsely; to disparage.

   The . . . tellers of news abused the general.

4. To dishonor.
5. To violate; to ravish.
6. To deceive; to impose on. [Obs.]

   Their eyes red and staring, cozened with a moist cloud, and abused by a double object.

1. 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.

   Liberty may be endangered by the abuses of liberty, as well as by the abuses of power.

2. Physical ill treatment; injury.
3. A corrupt practice or custom; offense; crime; fault; as, the abuses in the civil service.

   Abuse after disappeared without a struggle..

4. Vituperative words; coarse, insulting speech; abusive language; virulent condemnation; reviling.

   The two parties, after exchanging a good deal of abuse, came to blows.

5. Violation; rape; as, abuse of a female child. [Obs.]

   Or is it some abuse, and no such thing?