Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
ABUSE
I. noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French abus, from Latin abusus, from abuti to consume, from ab- + uti to use
Date: 15th century
a corrupt practice or custom, improper or excessive use or treatment ; misuse , a deceitful act ; deception , language that condemns or vilifies usually unjustly, intemperately, and angrily, physical maltreatment, Synonyms: see: abuse
II. transitive verb (abused; abusing)
Date: 15th century
1. to put to a wrong or improper use , to use excessively , deceive , to use so as to injure or damage ; maltreat , to attack in words ; revile , abusable adjective abuser noun