abusive

adjective

abu·​sive ə-ˈbyü-siv How to pronounce abusive (audio)
 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

Examples of abusive in a Sentence

The fans yelled abusive comments to the referee. protecting wives from abusive husbands
Recent Examples on the Web For clarity, tax crimes include corporate fraud, public corruption, cybercrimes, international, general tax fraud, abusive tax schemes, employment tax, identity theft and refund fraud. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024 Case puts spotlight on shaken baby syndrome Mr. Roberson’s case has renewed debate over shaken baby syndrome, known in the medical community as abusive head trauma. Juan A. Lozano and Michael Graczyk, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Oct. 2024 Hundreds of possible shaken baby and abusive head trauma cases are reported to hospitals in the U.S. every year, according to a nonprofit advocacy group. Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 18 Oct. 2024 According to The Daily Mail, sources say that Ventura is looking to move past her traumatic and abusive relationship with Combs and put the focus back on her music, as she feels empowered in the wake of the disgraced music mogul’s downfall. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for abusive 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'abusive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of abusive was in 1538

Dictionary Entries Near abusive

Cite this Entry

“Abusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abusive. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

abusive

adjective
abu·​sive ə-ˈbyü-siv How to pronounce abusive (audio)
-ziv
: using or characterized by abuse
abusively adverb
abusiveness noun

Legal Definition

abusive

adjective
abu·​sive ə-ˈbyü-siv, -ziv How to pronounce abusive (audio)
1
: characterized by wrong or improper use or action
abusive tax shelters
2
: inflicting verbal or physical abuse
abusive parents
abusively adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on abusive

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