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
According to authorities, he was subjected to malnourishment and regular punishment with a belt, along with verbal abuse.
—
Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
The order described allegations that a judge subjected clerks to harassment, verbal abuse and erratic behavior during the COVID pandemic.
—Carrie Johnson, NPR, 10 Feb. 2026
Pormanove, 46, was also known online for completing extreme challenges on livestreams, and his death drew public scrutiny for — and an investigation by French authorities into — the streaming platform Kick for allowing creators to share videos that include depictions of physical and verbal abuse.
—Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
Its report also recommended steps to address workplace verbal abuse and suggested limited compensation for the two workers who alleged retaliation.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for verbal abuse
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Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
The order described allegations that a judge subjected clerks to harassment, verbal abuse and erratic behavior during the COVID pandemic.
—Carrie Johnson, NPR, 10 Feb. 2026
Pormanove, 46, was also known online for completing extreme challenges on livestreams, and his death drew public scrutiny for — and an investigation by French authorities into — the streaming platform Kick for allowing creators to share videos that include depictions of physical and verbal abuse.
—Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
Its report also recommended steps to address workplace verbal abuse and suggested limited compensation for the two workers who alleged retaliation.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for verbal abuse
Cite this Entry
“Verbal abuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/verbal%20abuse. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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