ABUSE [uh-byooz] v.; To treat in a harmful, injurious, or offensive way. → beat, brutalize, abuse, molest, bully. Abused senior, victim of physical abuse [beat, assault, deprive, trap, etc.] → batter; mistreatment. • To treat a person improperly or wrongfully. → oppress, bully. • To use harsh and insulting language (when speaking to someone [→ mistreat, insult], or about someone [→ cheat, criticize, put down]). • ANT. Flatter, praise.