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{%type%} Definitions

WordNet 3.0Copyright Princeton University
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Short "hint"

To use in a wrong or improper way; to hurt or insult.

Watch out! You may see this word with another pronunciation and its meaning is then different.
Used as a verb, listen here, it means: To use in a wrong or improper way; to hurt or insult. Used as a noun, listen here, it means: Cruel or inhumane treatment; Improper or excessive use; A rude expression intended to offend or hurt.

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Usage examples (1)
  • We must not abuse our natural resources
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We give special thanks to our LearnThat volunteers, as well as Princeton University and Wiktionary for their Open Source word data. We're also grateful for the support given by Google, Wordnik.com, Dictionary.com, Stands4.com and YouTube, OEDILF.com, Kylescholz.com, Best-Practice.com, Forvo.com, as well as the generous Creative Commons community.