abuse

abuse

noun

Definition of ABUSE

1

harsh insulting language <hometown fans hurled abuse at the visiting team>

Synonyms billingsgate, fulmination, invective, obloquy, scurrility, vitriol, vituperation

Related Words blackguardism; blasphemy, curse, execration, imprecation, malediction, profanity; epithet, insult, put-down, slur; expletive, swearword; aspersion, bad-mouthing, belittlement, disparagement, revilement, vilification; castigation, chastisement, criticism, excoriation, opprobrium, rebuke, reprimand, reproof; broadside, diatribe, harangue, polemic, tirade

Near Antonyms acclaim, applause, commendation, praise; compliments, congratulations, endearments, felicitations; adulation, blarney, flattery, overpraise, soft soap

2

incorrect or improper use <naturally the furniture had received a lot of abuse from the 10 kids in the family>

Synonyms abuse, misapplication, misemployment, misusage, misutilization, perversion

Related Words mishandling, mismanagement, mismanaging; ill-treatment, ill-usage, maltreatment, mistreatment; damage, destruction, ruin, spoiling, wrecking; corruption, debasement, desecration, profanation, prostitution

Near Antonyms application, employment, use, utilization