abusive

[ uh-byoo-siv ]

adjective

1. using, containing, or characterized by harshly or coarsely insulting language:

   an abusive author; abusive remarks.

2. treating badly or injuriously; mistreating, especially physically:

   his abusive handling of the horse.

3. wrongly used; corrupt:

   an abusive exercise of power.

abusive

/ əˈbjuːsɪv /

adjective

1. characterized by insulting or coarse language
2. characterized by maltreatment
3. incorrectly used; corrupt

Derived Forms

• aˈbusively, adverb
• aˈbusiveness, noun

Other Words From

• a·busive·ly adverb
• a·busive·ness noun
• nona·busive adjective
• nona·busive·ly adverb
• nona·busive·ness noun
• over·a·busive adjective
• over·a·busive·ly adverb
• over·a·busive·ness noun
• una·busive adjective
• una·busive·ly adverb
• una·busive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of abusive¹

From the Late Latin word abūsīvus, dating back to 1575–85. See abuse, -ive

Example Sentences

One English woman aged 45-54 years old, reported how "full-on" and "really abusive males" would swear at her, which made her stop knocking on doors to speak to people face-to-face.

From BBC

The video of Premier League referee David Coote’s alleged expletive-laden insults about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp carries ramifications far wider than abusive words used on shaky mobile phone footage.

From BBC

It’s the kind of upside-down logic commonly found in abusive relationships, whenever the abuser is challenged.

From Salon

“I will be your protector,” he says, one of the creepiest gaslighting lines that women in abusive relationships often hear.

From Salon

It’s a message that has taken on greater significance this past year, as court documents revealed that Palmer was struggling to escape what she says was an abusive relationship with Darius Jackson, the father of her 20-month-old son.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• insulting
• offensive
• rude