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

"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

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

I see that misfortunes always overtake those who ill-use others.”

From Boys and Girls Bookshelf (Vol 2 of 17) Folk-Lore, Fables, And Fairy Tales by Baltzell, W. J. (Winton James)

Did the law give so much power to Mr. Thornton? and, provided he did not ill-use me, would it make me for four years the captive of his pleasure?

From Daisy Burns (Volume 2) by Kavanagh, Julia