n.
Pronunciation: ə - ' byüz
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: abused ; abus · ing
Date: 15th century
1 a : to put to a wrong or improper use < abuse a privilege> b : to use excessively < abuse alcohol> also : to use without medical justification < abuse ing painkillers>
2 obsolete : DECEIVE
3 : to use so as to injure or damage : MALTREAT
4 : to attack in words : REVILE
– abus · able \ - ' byü-z ə -b ə l \ adjective
– abus · er noun