abusive

adjective

abu·sive | \ ə-ˈbyü-siv also -ziv

Definition of abusive

1a : 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

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Examples of abusive in a Sentence

The fans yelled abusive comments to the referee. protecting wives from abusive husbands

Recent Examples on the Web

Women are fighting because the old forms of power are harmful and abusive to us, to our families, to our workplaces, to our houses of worship, to our democracy, and to our planet. — Alicia Garza, Marie Claire, "Alicia Garza: Women Are the New Face of Power," 21 Mar. 2019 If Russian law enforcement agencies engage in abusive practices, then the country pays with its reputation, and this is a stark reminder of it. — Angela Charlton, The Seattle Times, "Interpol’s flaws exposed in US-Russia fight over presidency," 21 Nov. 2018 But many other crypto traders say abusive trading practices are slowing cryptocurrencies’ adoption. — Alexander Osipovich, WSJ, "Bots Are Manipulating Price of Bitcoin in ‘Wild West of Crypto’," 2 Oct. 2018 Still, violent crime remains high, and Baltimore only recently finished its first year under a federal consent decree process that requires sweeping police reforms to address corruption and abusive practices. — Washington Post, "Baltimore’s police commissioner resigns after tax charges," 17 May 2018 The key abusive practice that the FDA’s website spotlights is the tactic of brand-name drug makers to withhold samples of their drugs from generic drug makers. — Beth Mole, Ars Technica, "FDA has named names of pharma companies blocking cheaper generics [Updated]," 17 May 2018 The sinking is the latest in a string of potentially deadly mishaps in a fleet that has been plagued with concerns about exploitative, dangerous and sometimes abusive labor practices. — CBS News, "Deck hand saved lives as fishing boat sank; captain's role under investigation," 6 Apr. 2018 Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, who was appointed archbishop in the French city of Lyon in 2002, faced charges of covering up for an abusive priest and endangering minors. — Noemie Bisserbe And Francis X. Rocca, WSJ, "French Cardinal Convicted for Covering Up Child Sex Abuse," 7 Mar. 2019 The report is expected to reveal details of widespread abuse and efforts to conceal and protect abusive priests. — Washington Post, "Court halts release of report on Pennsylvania priest abuse," 20 June 2018

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.