verbal abuse

American  

[vur-buhl uh-byoos] / ˈvɜr bəl əˈbjus /

noun

1. speech that is intended to humiliate and intimidate.

   Physical or verbal abuse directed toward patients, families, colleagues, or staff will not be tolerated.

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Etymology

Origin of verbal abuse

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

verbal abuse

The 437-page report written by a panel of three judges in 2021 found that the state had shirked its duty to protect Caruana Galizia and subjected her to personal attacks and verbal abuse from politicians.

From Barron's ● Jul. 1, 2026

Albert Manifold was removed as BP chairman with immediate effect due to whistleblower reports of verbal abuse and mishandling information.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 27, 2026

June 2021: Pham addressed the torrent of verbal abuse he experienced after getting off to a poor start with the San Diego Padres.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 25, 2025

One video posted to social media by a Hasidic group, Chabad, appears to show Jewish students being subject to a torrent of verbal abuse.

From BBC ● Apr. 24, 2024

What have out most famous authors done without having suffered such verbal abuse?

From My Life and My Efforts by Olesch, Gunther