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
Colman Domingo, who plays Michael Jackson’s abusive father, Joe Jackson, in the film, defended the film’s focus, ending right during the Bad era in 1988, before Jackson was accused of pedophilia.
—
Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 13 May 2026
That was another thing that we, in the writer’s room, were really compelled by in The Deal, which is, not only is Garrett living under the shadow of his dad, but also his dad is abusive, and Garrett doesn’t talk about it.
—Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 13 May 2026
After a childhood bouncing from one abusive foster home to the next, the two have settled into a life together where sisterhood always comes first.
—Jourdain Searles, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
The 39-year-old man from Stowmarket, Suffolk, was charged with two counts of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behavior to harass, cause alarm or distress and failing to provide a blood specimen in custody.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for abusive
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Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 13 May 2026
That was another thing that we, in the writer’s room, were really compelled by in The Deal, which is, not only is Garrett living under the shadow of his dad, but also his dad is abusive, and Garrett doesn’t talk about it.
—Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 13 May 2026
After a childhood bouncing from one abusive foster home to the next, the two have settled into a life together where sisterhood always comes first.
—Jourdain Searles, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
The 39-year-old man from Stowmarket, Suffolk, was charged with two counts of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behavior to harass, cause alarm or distress and failing to provide a blood specimen in custody.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 12 May 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 16 May. 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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