Decrease and Misuse

noun

• A change downward.
  • usage: "there was a decrease in his temperature as the fever subsided"; "there was a sharp drop-off in sales"
  • synonyms: lessening, drop-off
• A process of becoming smaller or shorter.
  • synonyms: decrement
• The amount by which something decreases.
  • synonyms: decrement
• The act of decreasing or reducing something.
  • synonyms: diminution, reduction, step-down

verb

• Decrease in size, extent, or range.
  • usage: "The amount of homework decreased towards the end of the semester"; "The cabin pressure fell dramatically"; "her weight fell to under a hundred pounds"; "his voice fell to a whisper"
  • synonyms: diminish, lessen, fall
• Make smaller.
  • usage: "He decreased his staff"
  • synonyms: lessen, minify

• (v.t.) To cause to grow less; to diminish gradually; as, extravagance decreases one's means.
• (v.) A becoming less; gradual diminution; decay; as, a decrease of revenue or of strength.
• (n.) To grow less, -- opposed to increase; to be diminished gradually, in size, degree, number, duration, etc. or in strength, quality or excellence; as, they days decrease in length from June to December.
• (v.) The wane of the moon.

noun

• Improper or excessive use.
  • usage: "alcohol abuse"; "the abuse of public funds"
  • synonyms: abuse

verb

• Apply to a wrong thing or person; apply badly or incorrectly.
  • usage: "The words are misapplied in this context"; "You are misapplying the name of this religious group"
  • synonyms: misapply
• Change the inherent purpose or function of something.
  • usage: "Don't abuse the system"; "The director of the factory misused the funds intended for the health care of his workers"
  • synonyms: pervert, abuse

• (v.t.) To treat or use improperly; to use to a bad purpose; to misapply; as, to misuse one's talents.
• (n.) Wrong use; misapplication; erroneous or improper use.
• (v.t.) To abuse; to treat ill.
• (n.) Violence or its effects.