abusive
adjective
abu·sive
ə-ˈbyü-siv 
also -ziv
1
a
: using harsh, insulting language
an angry and abusive crowd
b
: harsh and insulting
abusive language
c
: using or involving physical violence or emotional cruelty
abusive behavior
an abusive husband
an abusive relationship
2
: characterized by wrong or improper use or action
abusively
adverb
abusiveness
noun
Examples of abusive in a Sentence
The fans yelled abusive comments to the referee.
protecting wives from abusive husbands
Recent Examples on the Web
Samuel Dunham, 12, said he was adopted from an abusive family.
—
Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 11 July 2025
The administration has cited a need to counter China’s abusive trade practices, but this is undermined by the 25 percent tariff on Japanese goods.
—The Editors, National Review, 10 July 2025
Luthor lacks depth, portrayed simply as an abusive sociopath who’s targeting Superman out of spite, and indulging in ‘reckless science’ at the cost of destroying the world entirely.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 9 July 2025
What Lory doesn’t know is that this is the same cellar where Rebecca was held captive by her abusive father years ago.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for abusive
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Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 11 July 2025
The administration has cited a need to counter China’s abusive trade practices, but this is undermined by the 25 percent tariff on Japanese goods.
—The Editors, National Review, 10 July 2025
Luthor lacks depth, portrayed simply as an abusive sociopath who’s targeting Superman out of spite, and indulging in ‘reckless science’ at the cost of destroying the world entirely.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 9 July 2025
What Lory doesn’t know is that this is the same cellar where Rebecca was held captive by her abusive father years ago.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for abusive
Cite this Entry
“Abusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abusive. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
abusive
adjective
abu·sive
ə-ˈbyü-siv
-ziv
: using or characterized by abuse
abusively
adverb
abusiveness
noun
Legal Definition
abusive
adjective
abu·sive
ə-ˈbyü-siv, -ziv
1
: characterized by wrong or improper use or action
abusive tax shelters
2
: inflicting verbal or physical abuse
abusive parents
abusively
adverb
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