Abuse of distress

Abuse A*buse", n. [F. abus, L. abusus, fr. abuti. See {Abuse}, v. t.] 1. Improper treatment or use; application to a wrong or bad purpose; misuse; as, an abuse of our natural powers; an abuse of civil rights, or of privileges or advantages; an abuse of language. [1913 Webster]

Liberty may be endangered by the abuses of liberty, as well as by the abuses of power. --Madison. [1913 Webster]

2. Physical ill treatment; injury. ``Rejoice . . . at the abuse of Falstaff.'' --Shak. [1913 Webster]

3. A corrupt practice or custom; offense; crime; fault; as, the abuses in the civil service. [1913 Webster]

Abuse after disappeared without a struggle.. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]

4. Vituperative words; coarse, insulting speech; abusive language; virulent condemnation; reviling. [1913 Webster]

The two parties, after exchanging a good deal of abuse, came to blows. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]

5. Violation; rape; as, abuse of a female child. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

Or is it some abuse, and no such thing? --Shak. [1913 Webster]

{Abuse of distress} (Law), a wrongful using of an animal or chattel distrained, by the distrainer. [1913 Webster]

Syn: Invective; contumely; reproach; scurrility; insult; opprobrium.

Usage: {Abuse}, {Invective}. Abuse is generally prompted by anger, and vented in harsh and unseemly words. It is more personal and coarse than invective. Abuse generally takes place in private quarrels; invective in writing or public discussions. Invective may be conveyed in refined language and dictated by indignation against what is blameworthy. --C. J. Smith. [1913 Webster]