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, ill-treat, step on [informal]
    
2. Use to one's advantage in a way that was not intended
   "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, improperly or excessively
   "Her husband often abuses alcohol"; "while she was pregnant, she abused drugs"
    
5. Subject to sexual assault
   "she was abused by her uncle";
   - sexually assault

See also: battered, misused

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

Encyclopedia: Abused