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

But she claims that the day will be fine and not ill-use her.

From The Browning Cyclop?dia A Guide to the Study of the Works of Robert Browning by Berdoe, Edward

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

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

"But mind what you are about, my sparky, and don't think to ill-use me because you happen to be the strongest!"

From The Mysteries of Paris, Volume 2 of 6 by Sue, Eugène