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>
2 obsolete : deceive
3 : to use so as to injure or damage : maltreat
4 : to attack in words : revile

— abus·able \-ˈbyü-zə-bəl\ adjective

— abus·er noun