The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word MISUSE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Sunday Telegraph
M
I
S
U
S
E
More clues leading to the result MISUSE
- Deliberate snatching is bad treatment
- Be absorbed in thought about island's waste
- Ill-treatment almost overlooked around university
- Exploit inspiring individual saving lives
- Wrong application is fuelling creative influence
- Reflect about one’s bad treatment
- Is having to reflect about poor treatment
- Abrus reuse is accepted in contemplation
- Poor treatment partly makes us immigrants rise
- Exploit is defended by creative influence
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Exploit" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case exploit = misuse.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does MISUSE mean?
MISUSE noun- An incorrect, improper or unlawful use of something.
- To use (something) incorrectly.
- To abuse or mistreat (something or someone).
- To rape (a woman); later more generally, to sexually abuse (someone).
- To abuse verbally, to insult.