<p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used with object) to use wrongly or improperly; misuse: to abuse one's authority.</li><li>to treat in a harmful, injurious, or offensive way: to abuse a horse; to abuse one's eyesight.</li><li>to speak insultingly, harshly, and unjustly to or about; revile; malign.</li><li>to commit sexual assault upon.</li><li>to deceive or mislead.</li></ul><p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>wrong or improper use; misuse: the abuse of privileges.</li><li>harshly or coarsely insulting language: The officer heaped abuse on his men.</li><li>bad or improper treatment; maltreatment: The child was subjected to cruel abuse.</li><li>a corrupt or improper practice or custom: the abuses of a totalitarian regime.</li><li>rape or sexual assault.</li><li>deception.</li></ul>