abusive

adjective

abu·​sive ə-ˈbyü-siv 

 also  -ziv

1

a

: using harsh, insulting language

an angry and abusive crowd

b

: harsh and insulting

abusive language

c

: using or involving physical violence or emotional cruelty

abusive behavior

an abusive husband

an abusive relationship

2

: characterized by wrong or improper use or action

especially : corrupt

abusive financial practices

abusively adverb

abusiveness noun

Synonyms

• contumelious
• invective
• opprobrious
• scurrile
• scurril
• scurrilous
• truculent
• vitriolic
• vituperative
• vituperatory

Examples of abusive in a Sentence

The fans yelled abusive comments to the referee.

protecting wives from abusive husbands

Recent Examples on the Web

The role of Jane Chapman, the Monterey single mother and victim of rape by Kidman's character's abusive husband Perry Wright (Alexander Skarsgård), transformed Woodley from teen idol to serious actor. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 1 Nov. 2024

On March 22, about a month before her death, Mica Miller posted a video on Facebook offering advice to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship. —Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024

Actor Julie Bowen, who served as a source of support for Hyland during an abusive relationship, praises her former co-star for her resilience and openness in speaking up to advocate for fellow survivors. —Bruna Nessif, Variety, 24 Oct. 2024

Lois also clocked that Megan is in an abusive, all-consuming relationship, loosely explaining why Megan was possessed in her dream. —Andy Swift, TVLine, 23 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Anglo-French abusif "misplaced, wrong, in error," borrowed from Late Latin abūsīvus "misused, catachrestic," from Latin abūsus, past participle of abūtī "to abuse entry 2" + -īvus -ive

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

abusive

adjective

abu·​sive ə-ˈbyü-siv 

-ziv

: using or characterized by abuse

abusively adverb

abusiveness noun

Legal Definition

abusive

adjective

abu·​sive ə-ˈbyü-siv, -ziv 

1

: characterized by wrong or improper use or action

abusive tax shelters

2

: inflicting verbal or physical abuse

abusive parents

abusively adverb