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
abusively
adverb
abusiveness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of abusive in a Sentence
The fans yelled abusive comments to the referee.
protecting wives from abusive husbands
Recent Examples on the Web
This could include advising your child to block individuals who display abusive behaviors and report such violations to the gaming platform.
—
Mia Taylor, Parents, 16 Jan. 2025
Anthony was ‘Unstoppable’ during his ‘Hell Week’ initiation at Arizona State
When his abusive prison guard stepfather, Rick (Bobby Cannavale), leaves the family, Anthony turns down a full ride at Drexel University to stay at home and help his mother.
—Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025
Employees claimed Knox demonstrated abusive behavior and made questionable claims of child abuse.
—Scott Maxwell, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Jan. 2025
The state alleged that the arrangement was designed to enable Think Finance to profit from abusive loans by evading state lending laws.
—Joel Jacobs, ProPublica, 15 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for abusive 
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Mia Taylor, Parents, 16 Jan. 2025
Anthony was ‘Unstoppable’ during his ‘Hell Week’ initiation at Arizona State
When his abusive prison guard stepfather, Rick (Bobby Cannavale), leaves the family, Anthony turns down a full ride at Drexel University to stay at home and help his mother.
—Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025
Employees claimed Knox demonstrated abusive behavior and made questionable claims of child abuse.
—Scott Maxwell, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Jan. 2025
The state alleged that the arrangement was designed to enable Think Finance to profit from abusive loans by evading state lending laws.
—Joel Jacobs, ProPublica, 15 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for abusive
Dictionary Entries Near abusive
Cite this Entry
“Abusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abusive. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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