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
Lepkowski described her cousin's ex as possessive, controlling and physically abusive.
—
Nushrat Rahman, Freep.com, 9 Sep. 2025
The news follows Rudin’s announced return to theatrical producing, after a Hollywood Reporter investigation in 2021 had detailed multiple allegations of abusive behavior in claims from ex-staffers.
—Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
The abusive father and violent end were a little above our collective pay grade, and paired very poorly with tea and Girl Scout cookies.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025
Hsiao-lee’s abusive parents constantly keep her on the edge.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for abusive
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.
Nushrat Rahman, Freep.com, 9 Sep. 2025
The news follows Rudin’s announced return to theatrical producing, after a Hollywood Reporter investigation in 2021 had detailed multiple allegations of abusive behavior in claims from ex-staffers.
—Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
The abusive father and violent end were a little above our collective pay grade, and paired very poorly with tea and Girl Scout cookies.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025
Hsiao-lee’s abusive parents constantly keep her on the edge.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for abusive
Cite this Entry
“Abusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abusive. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share