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

especially : corrupt

abusive financial practices

abusively adverb

abusiveness noun

Synonyms

• contumelious
• invective
• opprobrious
• scurrile
• scurril
• scurrilous
• truculent
• vitriolic
• vituperative
• vituperatory

Examples of abusive in a Sentence

The fans yelled abusive comments to the referee.

protecting wives from abusive husbands

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite what van der Kolk believes is overwhelming evidence that children who suffer from persistent trauma because of an absent, abusive, or unwell parent need particular help, the only trauma in the DSM is PTSD. —Belinda Luscombe, TIME, 18 July 2024

The farmworker’s story gives a glimpse into the harsh and often abusive conditions endured by the tens of thousands of Chinese immigrants who have quietly become the backbone of many U.S. marijuana operations. —Sebastian Rotella, ProPublica, 17 July 2024

Accusations flew between Drake and Kendrick Lamar during their 9-song rap feud, including that the Compton rhymer is abusive to fiancée Whitney Alford. —Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 12 July 2024

The original film followed reluctant witches Sally (Bullock) and Gillian Owens (Kidman), who embrace magic to save themselves from the evil spirit of Gillian’s abusive boyfriend who was murdered by Sally. —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 10 July 2024

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

Kids 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