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

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

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

Amateur hockey associations across Canada have elected to put green armbands on teenage referees in hopes parents and coaches think twice before hurling verbal abuse.

From Washington Times • Dec. 26, 2023

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