The Clue
Treats badly (6 letter answer)
The Answer
ABUSES
Tags
Notes
The answer ABUSES is rarely seen, appearing only about once every 1000 puzzles.
Related Clues
Maltreats
Mishandles
Mistreats
Vilifies
Violations
Wrongs
Corrupt practices
Kicks around
Takes to excess
Takes advantage of, say
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"