Define "abuse". A hybrid is lot like a crossover - looks like a truck, behaves like a car. And a lot like a car or a crossover, it doesn't need to be scared of a dirt road and can handle most of what people think of when they think about mountain biking. If you're talking about riding on a nicely buffed track or smooth bike trail with a couple bumps here and there (like this), the hybrid will be fine. If you're talking about dropping ledges and hopping roots and bouncing over rocks and otherwise engaging in real mountainbiking (more like this), then you'll want the sturdier frame and wheelset of the mountain bike.

They're both going to have nearly identical frame geometry, though, so not much difference on pavement. The hybrid will be lighter and not as sturdy. If you're just planning mild dirt and nothing technical, it should hold up fine.

Whichever one you get, spring for a professional fitting if you're planning on riding long distances on pavement. Your wrists and ass will thank you.