verbal abuse

American  

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

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

The most recent figures also show there were almost 13,000 instances of verbal abuse towards staff between 2019/20 to 2023/24.

From BBC • Sep. 20, 2025

But Klotz, 54, alleges the Figueroa comments were just the tip of an iceberg of verbal abuse women in the unit faced.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 14, 2024

The absence of high-quality cohort studies that adopt a lifetime perspective in economic data estimation may lead to a substantial underestimation of the economic impact of childhood verbal abuse.

From Science Daily • Apr. 11, 2024

According to the “Those who acted out through verbal abuse or by throwing items or substances onto the court will be held accountable,” the email read.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 5, 2024

Although the physician enjoyed the greatest social and professional prestige, he received the most verbal abuse and criticism.

From Medicine in Virginia, 1607-1699 by Hughes, Thomas Proctor