abusive

adjective

abu·​sive ə-ˈbyü-siv How to pronounce abusive (audio)
also -ziv
Synonyms of abusivenext
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
especially : corrupt
abusive financial practices
abusively adverb
abusiveness noun

Synonyms of abusive

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Examples of abusive in a Sentence

The fans yelled abusive comments to the referee. protecting wives from abusive husbands
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Advocates Against Family Violence in Canyon County is available at 208-459-4779 for anyone in need of help or shelter in an abusive relationship. — Idaho Statesman, 22 Oct. 2026 Animal rights activists have argued in favor of banning the industry for more than two decades, calling the work dangerous and inherently abusive to the equines. — Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026 The ad has triggered pushback from Acton’s campaign due to accusations that Donna Arthur was a negligent and abusive mother who should not be given a platform. — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 21 Oct. 2026 By late Tuesday afternoon, the Acton campaign also released an ad featuring Stearns recalling that his older sister had been his protector in an abusive household. — Karen Tumulty, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abusive

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Anglo-French abusif "misplaced, wrong, in error," borrowed from Late Latin abūsīvus "misused, catachrestic," from Latin abūsus, past participle of abūtī "to abuse entry 2" + -īvus -ive

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of abusive was in 1538

Rhymes for abusive

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Browse Nearby Words

abusion
abusive
abustle
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Cite this Entry

“Abusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abusive. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

abusive

adjective
abu·​sive ə-ˈbyü-siv How to pronounce abusive (audio)
-ziv
: using or characterized by abuse
abusively adverb
abusiveness noun

Legal Definition

abusive

adjective
abu·​sive ə-ˈbyü-siv, -ziv How to pronounce abusive (audio)
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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