abusive
abu·sive
adjective \ə-ˈbyü-siv also -ziv\Definition of ABUSIVE
1
: characterized by wrong or improper use or action; especially : corrupt <abusive financial practices>
2
a : using harsh insulting language <an angry and abusive crowd> b : characterized by or serving for abuse <abusive language> c : physically injurious <abusive behavior>
— abu·sive·ly adverb
— abu·sive·ness noun
Examples of ABUSIVE
- The fans yelled abusive comments to the referee.
- protecting wives from abusive husbands
First Known Use of ABUSIVE
1583
Related to ABUSIVE
- Synonyms
- contumelious, invective, opprobrious, scurrile (or scurril), scurrilous, truculent, vitriolic, vituperative, vituperatory
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