verbal abuse

noun

: harsh and insulting language directed at a person
She was a victim of verbal abuse.

Examples of verbal abuse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The lawsuit complaint claims Kalumbula targeted the boy with verbal abuse, singled him out for discipline, and on one occasion allegedly pushed the boy against a wall. Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 7 Nov. 2025 Much of this year’s online discourse has grown particularly toxic, as many WNBA fans ruthlessly tear down players in the name of their faves, with many of these players experiencing a torrent of online and verbal abuse. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 27 Oct. 2025 Advertisement In many ways, Nebraska is an album reckoning with his father’s mental health struggles, heavy drinking, verbal abuse, and ignorance toward the family. Jake Kring-Schreifels, Time, 24 Oct. 2025 Any form of verbal abuse or personal harassment is not tolerated at Texpia II, the spokesperson said. Ladan Anoushfar, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for verbal abuse

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Verbal abuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/verbal%20abuse. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

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!