verbal abuse

noun

: harsh and insulting language directed at a person
She was a victim of verbal abuse.

Examples of verbal abuse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The university told The Oregonian that a postseason review of the soccer program, prodded by player complaints, did not find evidence of verbal abuse, and that many of the allegations revealed by the newspaper were not disclosed at that time. Michael Nowels, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2025 The highly unreasonable lashing out with cuss words and nasty comments—verging on verbal abuse—highlights an unstable mind. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025 Its leaders must stand strong in a climate reshaped by DeSantis and his torrent of insults and verbal abuse. Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2025 Then there were countless accusations of intimidation and verbal abuse. Martin McKenzie-Murray, SPIN, 7 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for verbal abuse

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Verbal abuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/verbal%20abuse. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!