abusive
adjective
abu·sive
ə-ˈbyü-siv 
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
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
Sacramento police denied claims of abusive treatment.
—
Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 6 Apr. 2026
The case began in March 2025, after a video emerged showing educators at Millsap Elementary interacting with special needs students in ways that parents described as abusive.
—Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026
The outlet shared that Bunnie left home at age 14 and later endured an abusive relationship until meeting Jelly Roll at a 2015 concert in Las Vegas.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2026
Shane said when the EMS arrived, Curry began using abusive, threatening language and officers had to take him to the ground to gain control of his hands and properly secure and lock both handcuffs.
—Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abusive
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Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 6 Apr. 2026
The case began in March 2025, after a video emerged showing educators at Millsap Elementary interacting with special needs students in ways that parents described as abusive.
—Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026
The outlet shared that Bunnie left home at age 14 and later endured an abusive relationship until meeting Jelly Roll at a 2015 concert in Las Vegas.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2026
Shane said when the EMS arrived, Curry began using abusive, threatening language and officers had to take him to the ground to gain control of his hands and properly secure and lock both handcuffs.
—Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abusive
Cite this Entry
“Abusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abusive. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
abusive
adjective
abu·sive
ə-ˈbyü-siv
-ziv
: using or characterized by abuse
abusively
adverb
abusiveness
noun
Legal Definition
abusive
adjective
abu·sive
ə-ˈbyü-siv, -ziv
1
: characterized by wrong or improper use or action
abusive tax shelters
2
: inflicting verbal or physical abuse
abusive parents
abusively
adverb
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