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abusive - 4 dictionary results
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a⋅bu⋅sive

  [uh-byoo-siv]
Use abusive in a Sentence
–adjective
1. using, containing, or characterized by harshly or coarsely insulting language: an abusive author; abusive remarks.
2. treating badly or injuriously; mistreating, esp. physically: his abusive handling of the horse.
3. wrongly used; corrupt: an abusive exercise of power.
Origin:
1575–85; < LL abūsīvus. See abuse, -ive

Related forms:
a⋅bu⋅sive⋅ly, adverb
a⋅bu⋅sive⋅ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To abusive
a·bu·sive   (ə-byōō'sĭv, -zĭv)   
adj.  
  1. Characterized by improper or wrongful use: abusive utilization of public funds.
  2. Using or containing insulting or coarse language: finally reprimanded the abusive colleague.
  3. Causing physical injury to another: abusive punishment.
  4. Relating to or practicing sexual abuse.
a·bu'sive·ly adv., a·bu'sive·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Abusive

A*bu"sive\, a. [Cf. F. abusif, fr. L. abusivus.]

1. Wrongly used; perverted; misapplied.

I am . . . necessitated to use the word Parliament improperly, according to the abusive acceptation thereof. --Fuller.

2. Given to misusing; also, full of abuses. [Archaic] "The abusive prerogatives of his see." --Hallam.

3. Practicing abuse; prone to ill treat by coarse, insulting words or by other ill usage; as, an abusive author; an abusive fellow.

4. Containing abuse, or serving as the instrument of abuse; vituperative; reproachful; scurrilous. "An abusive lampoon." --Johnson.

5. Tending to deceive; fraudulent; cheating. [Obs.] "An abusive treaty." --Bacon.

Syn: Reproachful; scurrilous; opprobrious; insolent; insulting; injurious; offensive; reviling.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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Language Translation for : abusive
Spanish: ofensivo, injurioso, ultrajante,
German: beleidigend,
Japanese: ののしりの
More Translations »

Main Entry: abu·sive
Pronunciation: &-'byü-siv, -ziv
Function: adjective
1 : characterized by wrong or improper use or action <abusive tax shelters>
2 : inflicting verbal or physical abuse <abusive parents> —abu·sive·ly adverb
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Abuse Information
 Trusted information on all forms of abuse. Support for abuse victims.
 HealthyPlace.com
Abuse
 Symptoms, Treatments, More. Depression Related Info Online.
 www.healthline.com