n. Function: verb
1
Synonyms: DECRY 2, belittle, depreciate, derogate, detract (from), discount, disparage, dispraise, minimize, write off
Antonyms: praise
2 to put to a bad or improper use FF1C; abuse the prerogatives of office FF1E;
Synonyms: misapply, misemploy, mishandle, misimprove, misuse, pervert, prostitute
Related Words: mar, spoil; corrupt, debase, desecrate, profane
Idioms: make ill use of
Contrasted Words: esteem, honor, respect
3
Synonyms: EXPLOIT 2, impose (on or upon), use
4 to treat without compassion and usually in a hurtful manner FF1C; parents who abuse children FF1E;
Synonyms: ill-treat, ill-use, maltreat, mistreat, misuse, outrage
Related Words: damage, harm, hurt, impair, injure; oppress, persecute, wrong; manhandle, mess (up)
Idioms: do one dirt, do violence to
Contrasted Words: cherish, prize, treasure; esteem, revere, reverence, venerate
Antonyms: honor, respect