■ verb ə'bju:z
1》 use to bad effect or for a bad purpose.
2》 treat with cruelty or violence.
↘assault sexually.
3》 address in an insulting and offensive way.
■ noun ə'bju:s
1》 the improper use of something.
2》 cruel and violent treatment.
↘sexual assault.
3》 insulting and offensive language.
Derivatives
~r noun
Origin
ME: via OFr. from L. abus- , abuti 'misuse', from ab- 'away' + uti 'to use'.