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
Despite his career success, Bart is struggling emotionally, still traumatized by memories of his abusive father (providing the opportunity for flashbacks featuring Quaid, whose character died in the previous film).
—
Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 16 Feb. 2026
The pair become inseparable, frolicking together on the moors and putting up with Cathy's abusive dad.
—Meg Walters, Glamour, 16 Feb. 2026
Being cheated on or in an abusive relationship can leave a deep imprint on one’s psyche and lead to an ex appearing in dreams.
—Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2026
Rita was first married for 22 years to an emotionally abusive man and then remarried to a manipulative one.
—Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abusive
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Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 16 Feb. 2026
The pair become inseparable, frolicking together on the moors and putting up with Cathy's abusive dad.
—Meg Walters, Glamour, 16 Feb. 2026
Being cheated on or in an abusive relationship can leave a deep imprint on one’s psyche and lead to an ex appearing in dreams.
—Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2026
Rita was first married for 22 years to an emotionally abusive man and then remarried to a manipulative one.
—Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abusive
Cite this Entry
“Abusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abusive. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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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