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Synonyms

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.


Etymology

Origin of verbal abuse

First recorded in 1740–50

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.

She posted a cease-and-desist letter she purportedly emailed to Renner on Instagram asking him to stop “any form of verbal abuse, yelling or intimidation.”

From Los Angeles Times

The Northern Ireland-born player was the subject of verbal abuse earlier this year, when Lincoln City fans aimed anti-Catholic chants at him during a match on 3 May.

From BBC

McIlroy bore the brunt of verbal abuse from a hostile crowd throughout the event at Bethpage Black and hit out at "unacceptable and abusive behaviour" after his wife Erica was hit by a drink thrown by an American fan.

From BBC

Europe's victory in New York last month came amid torrents of verbal abuse from the home crowd.

From BBC

The verbal abuse and other inappropriate behavior directed toward McIlroy and his European teammates worsened as the weekend went on.

From Los Angeles Times