View Single Post
Old 2005-05-14, 07:05 PM   #25
SmithsMedia
The poster formally known as NOCHEXContact
 
SmithsMedia's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Beverley, UK
Posts: 1,019
abuse

• verb /byooz/ 1 use improperly or to excess. 2 treat with cruelty or violence, especially assault sexually. 3 speak to in an insulting and offensive way.

• noun /byooss/ 1 the improper use of something. 2 cruel and violent treatment, especially sexual assault. 3 insulting and offensive language.

— DERIVATIVES abuser noun.

— ORIGIN Latin abuti ‘misuse’.

Source Oxford Englisg Dictionary

http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/abuse?view=uk
SmithsMedia is offline   Reply With Quote