The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word MISTREAT
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
M
I
S
T
R
E
A
T
More clues leading to the result MISTREAT
- Abuse is matter dealt with criminally
- Republican upset after film showing abuse
- Endlessly go without nice surprise? That’s abuse!
- Film about retreating soldiers getting abuse
- Abuse film superstar going topless
- Film about a leader in trouble getting abuse
- Abuse is included in matter that needs to be sorted
- It’s a term improperly used for abuse
- It's a term used for abuse
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "abuse" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case abuse = mistreat.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 MISTREAT mean?
MISTREAT verb- To treat someone, or something roughly or badly.