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

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

"Adzooks," quoth Tom, "is it possible that such a little fellow as this could ill-use such a strapping dame as you."

From Amusing Prose Chap Books by Various

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)

The remaining part of the population he was to treat with every possible kindness, and strictly to forbid the troops of Garay or any other Spaniards to plunder or in anywise to ill-use the inhabitants.

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