verbal abuse

[ vur-buhl uh-byoos ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of verbal abuse¹

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

And then there was the unrelenting verbal abuse of cops simply because they are cops.

From The Daily Beast

Because of the verbal abuse and death threats coming my way, these women seemed to identify with me.

From The Daily Beast

I was forced to work 18 or more hours every day in a home where I endured frequent physical and verbal abuse.

From The Daily Beast

More than half of them reported sexual harassment, death threats, and other forms of verbal abuse.

From The Daily Beast

He asked that members of the movement avoid physical and verbal abuse of Arabs.

From The Daily Beast

To verbal abuse one soon became case-hardened; but one had also to encounter physical violence.

From Project Gutenberg

The slightest contravention brought a flood of verbal abuse.

From Project Gutenberg

No verbal abuse; just the swinging fists now ready to knock Scurlock flat again, should he attempt to rise.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

The term rendered "slander" by Sir Wm. Jones is simply, reviling or verbal abuse.

From Project Gutenberg