The Clue
Constant criticism (5 letter answer)
The Answer
ABUSE
Tags
Notes
The answer ABUSE is common and appears about once every 225 puzzles.
Related Clues
Billingsgate
Calumniate
Maltreat
Maltreatment
Manhandle
Mistreat
Obloquy
Revile
Vituperate
Vituperation
Wrong
Bad treatment
Battery, e.g.
Bullying, e.g.
Harsh treatment
Ill-treatment
Invective, e.g.
Shabby treatment
Treat badly
Violate a warranty
Vituperation, e.g.
Definition
ABUSE as a noun:
1. (maltreatment, ill-treatment, ill-usage, abuse) = cruel or inhumane treatment
2. (abuse, insult, revilement, contumely, vilification) = a rude expression intended to offend or hurt; "when a student made a stupid mistake he spared them no abuse"; "they yelled insults at the visiting team"
3. (misuse, abuse) = improper or excessive use
ABUSE as a verb:
1. (mistreat, maltreat, abuse, ill-use, step, ill-treat) = treat badly; "This boss abuses his workers"; "She is always stepping on others to get ahead"
2. (pervert, misuse, abuse) = change the inherent purpose or function of something; "Don't abuse the system"; "The director of the factory misused the funds intended for the health care of his workers"
3. (abuse, clapperclaw, blackguard, shout) = use foul or abusive language towards; "The actress abused the policeman who gave her a parking ticket"; "The angry mother shouted at the teacher"
4. use wrongly or improperly or excessively; "Her husband often abuses alcohol"; "while she was pregnant, she abused drugs"