Main Entry:

²abuse

Pronunciation:

\ə-ˈbyüz\

Function:

transitive verb

Inflected Form(s):

abused; abus·ing

Date:

15th century

1 a: to put to a wrong or improper use <abuse a privilege> b: to use excessively <abuse alcohol> ; also : to use without medical justification <abusing painkillers>2obsolete : deceive3: to use so as to injure or damage : maltreat4: to attack in words : revile

— abus·able \-ˈbyü-zə-bəl\ adjective

— abus·er noun