ill-use

• (verb) IPA^(key): /ɪlˈjuːz/

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  • Rhymes: -uːz
• (noun) IPA^(key): /ɪlˈjuːs/

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  • Audio (UK):

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  • Rhymes: -uːs

ill-use (third-person singular simple present ill-uses, present participle ill-using, simple past and past participle ill-used)

1. To treat someone badly, cruelly or unkindly.
   • 1958 March, T. Preston, “North Eastern Memories”, in Railway Magazine, page 206:

     A Newcastle shunter, Goodchild, working at one end of Forth Goods Yard, was for some reason moved to the other end, with no loss of pay: he thought he was ill-used and ceased work, as did a number of sympathisers.

ill-use (uncountable)

1. Bad, cruel or unkind treatment.