ill-use

American  

[il-yooz, il-yoos] / ˈɪlˈjuz, ˈɪlˈjus /

verb (used with object)

ill-uses, present (3rd person singular) ill-used, past participle, past ill-using present participle

1. to treat badly, unjustly, cruelly, etc.

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noun

1. Also ill-usage bad, unjust, or cruel treatment.

ill-use British  

verb

1. to use badly or cruelly; abuse; maltreat

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noun

1. harsh or cruel treatment; abuse

Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

Participles

• ill-using
  present
• ill-used
  past

Conjugated Forms

Present

• ill-use
  simple
• ill-uses
  simple
• have ill-used
  perfect
• has ill-used
  perfect
• am ill-using
  progressive
• are ill-using
  progressive
• is ill-using
  progressive
• have been ill-using
  perfect progressive
• has been ill-using
  perfect progressive

Past

• ill-used
  simple
• had ill-used
  perfect
• was ill-using
  progressive
• were ill-using
  progressive
• had been ill-using
  perfect progressive

Future

• will ill-use
  simple
• will have ill-used
  perfect
• will be ill-using
  progressive
• will have been ill-using
  perfect progressive

Etymology

Origin of ill-use

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

"She did not ill-use me. Indeed, I do not believe that she ever knew that I was there at all. Is that not peculiar?"

From "Stardust" by Neil Gaiman

"Are you sure it was he who informed against you?" asked Frank; "suppose it was a mistake,—we mustn't ill-use a man who's innocent."

From The Mysteries of Paris, Volume 5 of 6 by Sue, Eugène

Sergeant Rahilly talked in a serious but vague way to everyone he met about the importance of treating Dr. Lovaway well, and the trouble which would follow any attempt to rob or ill-use him.

From Lady Bountiful by Birmingham, George A.

The Federals thought the members of the Council wanted to abscond, and they were even about to ill-use them, when some one recognised Delescluze.

From History of the Commune of 1871 by Lissagary, P.

His sister Helen was manifestly kind to him, and would not permit any of the company to insult or ill-use him.

From Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland, Vol. 9 by Various