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
Examples of abusive in a Sentence
The fans yelled abusive comments to the referee.
protecting wives from abusive husbands
Recent Examples on the Web
But like any powerful tool, healing language can also be misused, especially by those with manipulative or abusive tendencies.
—
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
The slashing of the benefits of medical care, food and other assistance to low-income families in this bill goes so far beyond even the most exaggerated claim of fraud, waste and abuse as to be cynically and sadistically abusive.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 June 2025
At one point, Lin and her colleagues tracked the behavior of abusive bosses on 15 consecutive workdays.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 6 June 2025
The most common types of incidents include non-compliance, verbally abusive behavior and intoxication.
—Milad Haghani, CNN Money, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for abusive
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Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
The slashing of the benefits of medical care, food and other assistance to low-income families in this bill goes so far beyond even the most exaggerated claim of fraud, waste and abuse as to be cynically and sadistically abusive.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 June 2025
At one point, Lin and her colleagues tracked the behavior of abusive bosses on 15 consecutive workdays.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 6 June 2025
The most common types of incidents include non-compliance, verbally abusive behavior and intoxication.
—Milad Haghani, CNN Money, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for abusive
Cite this Entry
“Abusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abusive. Accessed 14 Jun. 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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