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 What’s more, Black women in abusive relationships are three times more likely to be murdered by their partner than white women. Natalie Wilson and Derrica Wilson, Essence, 30 Oct. 2024 On March 22, about a month before her death, Mica Miller posted a video on Facebook offering advice to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship. Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024 Sarah Hyland expressed gratitude for her Modern Family TV mom Julie Bowen's support amid a past abusive relationship in an emotional speech about domestic violence. Jessica Wang, EW.com, 25 Oct. 2024 Anna Kendrick is super outspoken about her abusive relationship and her path to healing. Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 25 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 4 Nov. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!