abuse
noun
uk/əˈbjuːs/ us [ C or U ]
a situation in which a person uses something in a bad or wrong way, especially for their own advantage or pleasure:
The former president has been accused of corruption and abuse of power.
The politician employs his two sons to work in his office at taxpayers' expense, which critics say is an abuse of his position.
The CEO was fined for market abuse after encouraging his friends to buy shares before the takeover was announced publicly.
Employees are routinely tested for drug and alcohol abuse.
[ U ]
rude and offensive words said to another person:
He claimed he had received verbal abuse from his co-workers.
abuse
verb [ T ]
uk/əˈbjuːz/ usto use something in a bad or wrong way, especially for your own advantage or pleasure:
The Chief Executive is accused of abusing his position by advising family members when to buy and sell shares.
Workers found to be abusing drugs or alcohol will be offered help.
to use rude and offensive words to another person:
Striking workers abused colleagues who continued to go into work.