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

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

Stephanie, a customer service supervisor for the parking enforcement team, which is run for the council by NSL, also shared her experiences of verbal abuse to raise public awareness.

From BBC • Jan. 2, 2026

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

Prioritising the collection of longitudinal data on the consequences of childhood verbal abuse should be a primary focus of future efforts.

From Science Daily • Apr. 11, 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