abused Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. verb treat badly
   ill-use; ill-treat; maltreat; step; abuse; mistreat.
   
   • This boss abuses his workers
   • She is always stepping on others to get ahead
2. verb change the inherent purpose or function of something
   misuse; pervert; abuse.
   
   • Don't abuse the system
   • The director of the factory misused the funds intended for the health care of his workers
3. verb use foul or abusive language towards
   shout; blackguard; abuse; clapperclaw.
   
   • The actress abused the policeman who gave her a parking ticket
   • The angry mother shouted at the teacher
4. verb use wrongly or improperly or excessively
   abuse.
   
   • Her husband often abuses alcohol
   • while she was pregnant, she abused drugs
5. adjective satellite used improperly or excessively especially drugs
   
   • an abused substance
6. adjective subjected to cruel treatment
   ill-treated; maltreated; mistreated.
   
   • an abused wife

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