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
The worst one was emotionally abusive and ridiculously mean.
—
Essence, 17 Dec. 2024
Yet other experts say that blanket message may miss the world where many people live, facing life in a high-crime neighborhood or worried about an abusive former partner.
—John Diedrich, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024
Mangum claimed that about 40 men (some of which were allegedly verbally abusive) were present, prompting her and the other dancer to quickly leave.
—Jordana Comiter, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
But Richard Wenk, Art Marcum, and Matt Holloway’s script actually keeps a lot of Kraven’s comics lore intact, like his estrangement from his abusive father Nicolai (Russell Crowe).
—Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 13 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for abusive 
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Essence, 17 Dec. 2024
Yet other experts say that blanket message may miss the world where many people live, facing life in a high-crime neighborhood or worried about an abusive former partner.
—John Diedrich, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024
Mangum claimed that about 40 men (some of which were allegedly verbally abusive) were present, prompting her and the other dancer to quickly leave.
—Jordana Comiter, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
But Richard Wenk, Art Marcum, and Matt Holloway’s script actually keeps a lot of Kraven’s comics lore intact, like his estrangement from his abusive father Nicolai (Russell Crowe).
—Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 13 Dec. 2024
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 22 Dec. 2024.
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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