mistreatment - the practice of treating (someone or something) badly; "he should be punished for his mistreatment of his mother"

child abuse - the physical or emotional or sexual mistreatment of children

child neglect - failure of caretakers to provide adequate emotional and physical care for a child

persecution - the act of persecuting (especially on the basis of race or religion)

cruelty, inhuman treatment - a cruel act; a deliberate infliction of pain and suffering

discourtesy, disrespect - an expression of lack of respect

low blow - unscrupulous abuse

billingsgate, scurrility - foul-mouthed or obscene abuse

stinger, cut - a remark capable of wounding mentally; "the unkindest cut of all"

invective, vituperation, vitriol - abusive or venomous language used to express blame or censure or bitter deep-seated ill will

usage, use, utilisation, utilization, exercise, employment - the act of using; "he warned against the use of narcotic drugs"; "skilled in the utilization of computers"

drug abuse, substance abuse, habit - excessive use of drugs

do by, treat, handle - interact in a certain way; "Do right by her"; "Treat him with caution, please"; "Handle the press reporters gently"

kick around - treat badly; abuse; "They won't have me to kick around any more!"

fracture - violate or abuse; "This writer really fractures the language"

expend, use - use up, consume fully; "The legislature expended its time on school questions"

take in vain - use a name, such as God, without proper respect

slang - abuse with coarse language

revile, vilify, vituperate, rail - spread negative information about; "The Nazi propaganda vilified the Jews"

lash out, attack, snipe, assail, assault, round - attack in speech or writing; "The editors of the left-leaning paper attacked the new House Speaker"

curse - heap obscenities upon; "The taxi driver who felt he didn't get a high enough tip cursed the passenger"