abuse medical definition

1. To use wrongly or improperly; misuse.
2. To hurt or injure physically by maltreatment.
3. To force sexual activity on; rape or molest.
4. To assail with contemptuous, coarse, or insulting words; revile.

1. Improper use or handling, as of a drug; misuse.
2. Physical maltreatment, as of a spouse or child.
3. The forcing of unwanted sexual activity by one person on another.
4. Sexual activity that is deemed improper or harmful, as between an adult and a minor or with a person of diminished mental capacity.
5. Insulting or coarse language.

Related Forms:

• abuser noun