abusive

adjective

abu·sive | \ ə-ˈbyü-siv also -ziv

Definition of abusive

1a : 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

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Examples of abusive in a Sentence

The fans yelled abusive comments to the referee. protecting wives from abusive husbands

Recent Examples on the Web

They were addicted to drugs or alcohol, grew up in dysfunctional families, survived traumas like shootings or abusive relationships. — Katherine Long, The Seattle Times, "Students who beat steep odds credit Washington educators who wouldn’t give up on them," 4 Feb. 2019 The increasingly aggressive and abusive Chinese government poses a significant danger, but the free world should not be cowed. — Maya Wang, WSJ, "China’s Bumbling Police State," 26 Dec. 2018 The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says in its own lawsuit the practices are unfair, deceptive and abusive and break federal consumer protection laws. — Ken Sweet, The Seattle Times, "AP Exclusive: Gov’t questions unfair student loan practices," 21 Nov. 2018 On Saturday, death-defying stunt man and magician DAVID BLAINE heads to Detroit for a Fox Theatre show that’s hopefully a bit less abusive and painful. — Greg Crawford, Detroit Free Press, "Plan your weekend: Rib Fest; magic of David Blaine; art in Ferndale, Wyandotte," 5 July 2018 Other cheerleaders were also purportedly threatened with these same abusive and degrading practices. — Michael Mccann, SI.com, "NFL Teams Previously Have Settled in Cheerleader Lawsuits. Will Texans' Ex-Cheerleaders Set Different Precedent?," 25 June 2018 Janczak became aggressive and verbally abusive and chest-bumped Blankenheim, the complaint said. — Henry J. Morgan, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Milwaukee man charged with felony battery after allegedly head-butting a Lannon building inspector," 22 June 2018 Depp claims his mother was abusive and moved his family 40 times. — Connor Whittum, Billboard, "10 Things We Learned From Johnny Depp's Revealing 'Rolling Stone' Interview," 22 June 2018 Tori Fugate, director of marketing for the KC Pet Project, said the organization receives about 30 new animals every day, and four or five of those animals have been through abusive or neglectful situations, or have extensive injuries. — Cortlynn Stark, kansascity, "He kicked a cat as someone yelled 'field goal' in video. City wants help finding him," 19 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'abusive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.