The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word STICK
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
S
T
I
C
K
More clues leading to the result STICK
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Put up with/verbal abuse" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case put up with/verbal abuse = stick.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 STICK mean?
STICK noun- An elongated piece of wood or similar material, typically put to some use, for example as a wand or baton.
- Any roughly cylindrical (or rectangular) unit of a substance.
- Material or objects attached to a stick or the like.
- A tool, control, or instrument shaped somewhat like a stick.
- A stick-like item:
- Ability; specifically:
- A person or group of people. (Perhaps, in some senses, because people are, broadly speaking, tall and thin, like pieces of wood.)
- Encouragement or punishment, or (resulting) vigour or other improved behavior.
- A measure.
- To cut a piece of wood to be the stick member of a cope-and-stick joint.
- To compose; to set, or arrange, in a composing stick.
- To furnish or set with sticks.
- The traction of tires on the road surface.
- The amount of fishing line resting on the water surface before a cast; line stick.
- A thrust with a pointed instrument; a stab.
- To become or remain attached; to adhere.
- To jam; to stop moving.
- To tolerate, to endure, to stick with.
- To persist.
- Of snow, to remain frozen on landing.
- To remain loyal; to remain firm.
- To hesitate, to be reluctant; to refuse (in negative phrases).
- To be puzzled (at something), have difficulty understanding.
- To cause difficulties, scruples, or hesitation.
- To attach with glue or as if by gluing.
- To place, set down (quickly or carelessly).
- To press (something with a sharp point) into something else.
- To fix on a pointed instrument; to impale.
- To adorn or deck with things fastened on as by piercing.
- To perform (a landing) perfectly.
- To propagate plants by cuttings.
- (joinery) To run or plane (mouldings) in a machine, in contradistinction to working them by hand. Such mouldings are said to be stuck.
- To bring to a halt; to stymie; to puzzle.
- To impose upon; to compel to pay; sometimes, to cheat.
- To have sexual intercourse with.
- To stand pat: to cease taking any more cards and finalize one's hand.
- Likely to stick; sticking, sticky.
- Criticism or ridicule.