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

Other Word Forms

• abusively adverb
• abusiveness noun
• nonabusive adjective
• nonabusively adverb
• nonabusiveness noun
• overabusive adjective
• overabusively adverb
• overabusiveness noun
• unabusive adjective
• unabusively adverb
• unabusiveness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of abusive¹

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

Example Sentences

The hearing was told on Tuesday that Norris used racially abusive language in prison, according to intelligence reports from different facilities.

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Since coming out as gay in 2021, footballer Josh Cavallo has received daily death threats and abusive messages on social media.

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As well as cases where an abuser has killed their partner or ex-partner, reviews could be carried out into instances where an abused person has killed their abusive partner or ex-partner.

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Dodgen-Magee and her husband had helped Laura recognize the signs of an abusive relationship and supported her when she filed for divorce.

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Members of Ethan's paternal family have told BBC Wales Michael Ives was abusive and controlling, and worried he would lose power over his daughter Shannon if she was in a relationship.

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Related Words

• insulting 
• offensive 
• rude 

When To Use

What does abusive mean?

Warning: This article involves discussion of the sensitive topics of physical and emotional abuse. If you or someone you know needs support, please visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline site to chat or call the hotline at 1-800-799-7233. Abusive is an adjective used to describe a person who abuses a person or an animal—mistreats and causes harm to them. It can also be used to describe such a person’s actions.The noun abuse refers to such mistreatment. A person who abuses someone can be called an abuser.The kind of abuse is sometimes specified before the word abusive, as in physically abusive and emotionally abuse.Example: Just because it’s not physical doesn’t mean it’s not abusive—emotional abuse can leave its own scars.