abusive
Americanadjective
-
using, containing, or characterized by harshly or coarsely insulting language.
an abusive author; abusive remarks.
-
treating badly or injuriously; mistreating, especially physically.
his abusive handling of the horse.
-
wrongly used; corrupt.
an abusive exercise of power.
adjective
-
characterized by insulting or coarse language
-
characterized by maltreatment
-
incorrectly used; corrupt
Usage
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.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of abusive
From the Late Latin word abūsīvus, dating back to 1575–85. See abuse, -ive
Explanation
People or actions that are hurtful or harmful are abusive. Being abusive is one of the worst things a parent — or anyone else — can do. Abusive is a strong word for serious actions. A parent asking you to take out the garbage is not being abusive, but a parent who hits you, locks you up, or yells at you repeatedly is being abusive, which is wrong and also illegal. Teachers can be abusive too, and so can bosses, co-workers, or other students. Anyone who has power has a lot of potential to be abusive in a physical or psychological (mental) way. One of the most important parts of being a parent, teacher, boss — or anyone else — is making sure you don't do anything abusive. When you hear the word abusive, think "Someone is being hurt."
Vocabulary lists containing abusive
Workshop 1, Part 1
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Only Daughter" and "Calling a Foul"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Florida's B.E.S.T. Common Suffixes: -ive, -ative, -itive
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It’s hard to find any modern examples of the corporate death penalty, but that doesn’t mean critics of abusive business haven’t attempted to invoke it.
From Salon ● Aug. 19, 2026
In fairness, it’s journalists’ job to record how the president answers questions, no matter how lie-filled or abusive the answers.
From Slate ● Aug. 18, 2026
Creasy said he had "made a series of very serious allegations", became abusive and "referred to the fact he had been diagnosed as a psychopath".
From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026
Police have also asked social media platforms, including Meta and X, to take down what they described as abusive and manipulated content targeting the premier.
From Barron's ● Aug. 1, 2026
In recent times his annoyance with the absurd obesity that prevented him from tying his shoes and his abusive satisfaction with all manner of appetites had begun to sour his character.
From "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
