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Definition of abusive
1a : using harsh, insulting language an angry and abusive crowdb : harsh and insulting abusive languagec : 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
adverbabusiveness
nounIndulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Examples of abusive in a Sentence
The fans yelled abusive comments to the referee.
protecting wives from abusive husbands
Recent Examples of abusive from the Web
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Since her daughter's death Tinsley has been an advocate for women who may be in abusive relationships trying to seek help.
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Signs of abusive industry practices predate the 2015 action.
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The book is set in Union City, N.J., where Ms. Fragoso lived in a one-bedroom apartment with her mentally ill mother, a former teacher at a day care center, and her abusive, alcoholic father, a jeweler.
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Signs of abusive industry practices predate the 2015 action.
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But Kinner appealed her punishment, claiming the judge did not adequately consider her childhood and Young's abusive nature.
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The EU started investigating Google's allegedly abusive search practices in the region all the way back in 2010 and tried to settle the case a few times in the past few years, seeking various concessions from the search giant.
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The proposal is aimed at not only discouraging abusive breeding practices, but also promoting the adoption of shelter animals.
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A U.S. Justice Department investigation found discriminatory and abusive policing practices, and resulted in an agreement enforced by a federal judge to overhaul the department.
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.
ABUSIVE Defined for Kids
abusive
playDefinition of abusive for Students
1 : using or involving harmful treatment
2 : using harsh insulting language abusive comments
Law Dictionary
abusive
playLegal Definition of abusive
1 : characterized by wrong or improper use or action abusive tax shelters
2 : inflicting verbal or physical abuse abusive parents
abusively
adverbLearn More about abusive
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See words that rhyme with abusive Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for abusive Spanish Central: Translation of abusive Nglish: Translation of abusive for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of abusive for Arabic speakers
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