WordWeb Online

1. Used improperly or excessively especially drugs
   "an abused substance"
    
2. Subjected to cruel treatment
   "an abused wife"
   - ill-treated, maltreated, mistreated

1. Treat badly
   "This boss abuses his workers"
   - mistreat, maltreat, ill-use, step, ill-treat
    
2. Change the inherent purpose or function of something
   "Don't abuse the system"
   - pervert, misuse
    
3. Use foul or abusive language towards
   "The actress abused the policeman who gave her a parking ticket"
   - clapperclaw [archaic], blackguard, shout
    
4. Use wrongly or improperly or excessively
   "Her husband often abuses alcohol"; "while she was pregnant, she abused drugs"

See also: abuser, abusive, battered, misused

Type of: assail, assault, attack, do by, expend, handle, lash out, round, snipe, treat, use

Antonym: unabused

Encyclopedia: Abuse Abuse, substance