ill-use

American  

[il-yooz, il-yoos] / ˈɪlˈyuz, ˈɪlˈyus /

verb (used with object)

ill-used, ill-using

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

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

Yes, we may so ill-use our bodies that the watchman sleeps at his post!

From My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year by Jowett, John Henry

If they succeeded in taking him alive, they were not to ill-use him, but to show him every courtesy, and to secure his person in the most respectful manner possible.

From The Memoirs of the Conquistador Bernal Diaz del Castillo, Vol 2 (of 2) Written by Himself Containing a True and Full Account of the Discovery and Conquest of Mexico and New Spain. by Díaz del Castillo, Bernal

Sir, it is by force and not by right that you lay hands on the property of the Church, of which you make such ill-use.

From The Red True Story Book by Ford, H. J. (Henry Justice)

Alvarado, therefore, sent them a most polite invitation to come and make a friendly alliance with him; but all the answer they returned was to ill-use the messengers.

From The Memoirs of the Conquistador Bernal Diaz del Castillo, Vol 2 (of 2) Written by Himself Containing a True and Full Account of the Discovery and Conquest of Mexico and New Spain. by Díaz del Castillo, Bernal