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 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.

Now he would have friends to love him, and nobody would scorn and ill-use him any more.

From Aunt Friendly's Picture Book. Containing Thirty-six Pages of Pictures Printed in Colours by Kronheim by Kronheim, Joseph Martin

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

"There will be the collieshangie when they see our marks in the snaw, but they'll founder their horses on the brae and ill-use time tae nae purpose, if just we get ower the common."

From The McBrides A Romance of Arran by Sillars, John