abuse

verb1 of 2

to treat someone or something in a way that is cruel, harmful, or wrong

• “If the medicine is abused, people can ruin their health.”Tatoeba
• “Child abuse, no matter who does it, is wrong.”Tatoeba

Sentences from Tatoeba show real usage. A word can have several meanings, so a sentence may use another one.

noun2 of 2

Improper treatment or usage; application to a wrong or bad purpose; an unjust, corrupt or wrongful practice or custom.