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

The Irish golf star had stood up for himself amid verbal abuse and other inappropriate behavior from some American fans during the Ryder Cup this weekend at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, N.Y.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 29, 2025

Alan, not his real name, said he has been repeatedly subjected to "degrading and humiliating" verbal abuse by his colleagues at a McDonald's branch in southwest Scotland.

From BBC • Jan. 6, 2025

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

With the nimble alacrity of his kind he rocketed thirty feet upward, where, from a swaying vine, he hurled a torrent of verbal abuse at the grinning youth in the trail below.

From Warrior of the Dawn by Browne, Howard