mistreat , maltreat , abuse , ill-use , step , ill-treat (verb) - treat badly; "This boss abuses his workers"; "She is always stepping on others to get ahead"
pervert , misuse , abuse (verb) - change the inherent purpose or function of something; "Don't abuse the system"; "The director of the factory misused the funds intended for the health care of his workers"
abuse , clapperclaw , blackguard , shout (verb) - use foul or abusive language towards; "The actress abused the policeman who gave her a parking ticket"; "The angry mother shouted at the teacher"
abuse (verb) - use wrongly or improperly or excessively; "Her husband often abuses alcohol"; "while she was pregnant, she abused drugs"
maltreatment , ill-treatment , ill-usage , abuse (noun) - cruel or inhumane treatment
abuse , insult , revilement , contumely , vilification (noun) - a rude expression intended to offend or hurt; "when a student made a stupid mistake he spared them no abuse"; "they yelled insults at the visiting team"
misuse , abuse (noun) - improper or excessive use