ABUSE

I. noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French abus, from Latin abusus, from abuti to consume, from ab- + uti to use Date: 15th century a corrupt practice or custom, improper or excessive use or treatment ; misuse , a deceitful act ; deception , language that condemns or vilifies usually unjustly, intemperately, and angrily, physical maltreatment, Synonyms: see: ~ II. transitive verb (~d; abusing) Date: 15th century 1. to put to a wrong or improper use , to use excessively , deceive , to use so as to injure or damage ; maltreat , to attack in words ; revile , abusable adjective ~r noun