- F. abuser; L. abusus, p. p. of abuti to abuse, misuse; ab + uti to use. See Use
- 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.
- 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.
- To revile; to reproach coarsely; to disparage.The . . . tellers of news abused the general.
- To dishonor.Shall flightabuseyour name?
- To violate; to ravish.
- To deceive; to impose on.ObsTheir eyes red and staring, cozened with a moist cloud, and abused by a double object.To maltreat; injure; revile; reproach; vilify; vituperate; asperse; traduce; malign.
