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

The children wanted to play with it, but the duckling thought they were going to ill-use him, and rushed in his fright into the milk pan, and the milk spurted out all over the room.

From Favorite Fairy Tales The Childhood Choice of Representative Men and Women by Various

His owner had hesitated for some time before he made up his mind to have a dog, as he had often seen dogs ill-use the poor sheep.

From St. Nicholas Magazine for Boys and Girls, Vol. 8, May 1878, No. 7. An Illustrated Magazine for Young Folks by Various

They might ill-use her; they might scold her; they might turn her out of the house; but no consideration would induce her to think of Tom Tringle as a lover.

From Ayala's Angel by Trollope, Anthony

"They might ill-use him, and he's been ill-used more than enough already."

From The Sailor by Snaith, J. C.