abuse

a : to inflict physical or emotional mistreatment or injury on (as one's child) purposely or through negligence or neglect and often on a regular basis

b : to engage in sexual activity with (a child under an age specified by statute)

: to attack harshly with words abuse a police officer abuse a debtor

: improper, unfair, or excessive use abuse of authority drug abuse

a : the infliction of physical or emotional injury; also : the crime of inflicting such injury — see also battered child syndrome, battered woman's syndrome — compare cruelty, neglect : the crime of inflicting such injury — see also battered child syndrome, battered woman's syndrome — compare cruelty, neglect

b : sexual abuse

: a verbal attack (as on a police officer in the performance of his or her duty); also : the crime of making such an attack : the crime of making such an attack